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Description
- absolute configuration at the alpha position
- L and D is different from R and S. L is not always S, and D is not always R.
- If the priority of NH2 > COOH > R, then L=S and D=R. For example, L-Alanine = S-Alanine.
- If the priority of NH2 > R > COOH, then L=R, and D=S. For example, L-Cysteine = R-Cysteine.
- L-amino acids are the more common in nature, and are the type found in proteins. D-amino acids are less common in nature, and are never found in proteins.
- amino acids as dipolar ions classification
- At low pH, amino acids exist in the cationic form.
- At high pH, amino acids exist in the anionic form.
- At pH = pI, amino acids exist in the zwitterion form, which is overall neutral.
- classification
- acidic or basic
- If the R group contains carboxylic acid, then it's an acidic amino acid. There are two acidic amino acids, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
- If the R group contains an amine group, then it's a basic amino acid. There are two basic amino acids, lysine and arginine.
- hydrophobic or hydrophilic
- If the R group contains only hydrocarbons, then it's hydrophobic.
- If the R group contains heteroatoms, then it's hydrophilic.
Reactions
- peptide linkage
- Peptide bond = amide bond.
- The peptide bond is formed by the amine group attacking the carbonyl carbon.
- hydrolysis
- The peptide bond is very difficult to hydrolyze. It requires a strong base, or a biological enzyme.
General principles
- primary structure of proteins
- Primary structure = sequence.
- The primary structure of proteins is read from the N-terminus to the C-terminus.
- secondary structure of proteins
- Secondary structure = repetitive motifs formed by backbone interactions.
- Backbone interactions = hydrogen bonding between the NH and C=O
- The two most common secondary structures are α helices and β pleated sheets.
- The α helix is right-handed, with the R groups sticking outward.
- In β sheets, R groups stick out above and below the sheet.
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