In: Biology
The structure and properties of amino acids determine the structure and properties of proteins and, therefore, their function. How do amino acids and peptide properties dictate protein structure and function? In your explanation, please include the key terms hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, acid-base property.
Every amino acid constitutes a unique side chain which determines its characteristics and distinguishes each amino acid from other. The chemical properties of amino acid are determined by side chains. These side chains also determine polar nature of amino acid. The determination of type of interaction among amino acids is also done based on side chains i.e. the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity are determined. Moreover the acid-base property determines the acidity or basicity of an amino acid. Different structures of proteins are due to various interacting forces such as hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions which stabilizes the bond and protein structure by dictating how amino acids interacts among themselves. Ultimately, these complex interactions among side chains of amino acids and forces acting among them determine the three dimensional conformation of a protein as well as the function and activity of protein.