What are polymers?
Large molecules composed of multiple covalently linked building blocks called monomers.
What is an example of a polymer in daily life?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a common polyester.
What is the monomer of PET?
Ethylene terephthalate.
How is PET synthesized?
By mixing two precursors, applying heat (150–290°C), and removing byproducts like methanol.
Does PET store information like DNA, RNA, or proteins?
No, PET does not code for information.
What are proteins made of?
Amino acids.
What is the structure of an amino acid?
A central alpha carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain (R group).
How are amino acids joined together?
Through a peptide bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
What is a polymer of amino acids called?
A polypeptide.
What is the backbone of a protein?
The linear chain of carbon and nitrogen atoms containing peptide bonds.
What are the ends of a protein called?
N-terminus (amino end) and C-terminus (carboxyl end).
Why are amino acids in proteins called residues?
Because they are bonded and no longer individual molecules.
How many amino acids are there, and how many are essential?
20 amino acids total; 9 are essential (must be obtained from diet), 11 are synthesized by humans.
How are amino acids classified?
Into hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and special amino acids.
Give examples of hydrophobic amino acids.
Alanine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan. (MAVIL PTT)
Give examples of basic hydrophilic amino acids.
Basic: Lysine, Arginine, Histidine (LAH)
Give examples of acidic hydrophilic amino acids.
Acidic: Aspartate, Glutamate (GA)
Give examples of Polar uncharged hydrophilic amino acids.
Polar uncharged: Serine, Threonine, Asparagine, Glutamine (TAGS)
Name all special amino acids and say what makes these amino acids ‘special’ (properties)?
Unique properties affecting protein structure:
Cysteine: forms disulfide bonds
Glycine: very small, fits tight spaces
Proline: introduces kinks in chains
(CGP)
What are nucleic acids made of?
Nucleotides.
What are the components of a nucleotide?
A pentose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
What is the difference between DNA and RNA sugars?
DNA has deoxyribose (no OH at 2’), RNA has ribose (OH at 2’).
What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA? And name the two categories of bases and their bases.
Purines: Adenine (A), Guanine (G)
Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C), Thymine (T, DNA only), Uracil (U, RNA only)
How are nucleotides connected in DNA/RNA?
By phosphodiester bonds linking the 5’ phosphate to the 3’ hydroxyl of adjacent nucleotides.
