Amino acids join together to form polymers called proteins.
- There are 20 different amino acids.
- The amino group of one amino acid bonds to the carboxyl group of another.
- The bond that holds two amino acids together is called a peptide bond.
- When two amino acids bond together, they form a dipeptide.
- Additional amino acids may join with a dipeptide to form a polypeptide.
Proteins
- The sequence of amino acids determines the specific role of the protein.
- Functional
- Take part in metabolism and transport materials (hormones, such as insulin, and catalysts such as enzymes).
- Structural
- Serve as building blocks (Collagen-forms bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage).
Proteins: Enzymes
- Enzymes are organic catalysts that control the rate of chemical reactions within cells.
- A single organism may possess thousands of different enzymes.
- Each one is specific to a certain chemical reaction.
- Enzymes have a specific shape, called the active site, to which the reactant, or substrate, can attach.
Proteins: Enzymes
- By providing such a reaction site, enzymes lower the amount of energy that substrates need to react.
- In other words, enzymes reduce the activation energy.