Alpha Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
The structure of the alpha amino acid that we need to know in A Level Chemistry is as shown:
alpha amino acid general structure
We can remember the structure of alpha amino acid by these 3 positions:
1. amine group -NH2
2. alpha carbon with a R group
3. acid group -COOH
Different amino acids have the same basic structure and only differ in the R group.
Hence it is important for us to identify the R group so that we can identify the amino acid.
Primary Structure of Proteins
The unique sequence of amino acids linked via peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain will give the primary structure of proteins.
The structure of proteins is also in a standard format which is very similar to that of the amino acid:
amino acid protein general structure
So if we have a tripeptide -Asp-Ser-Val- to draw, we simply duplicate the structure 3 times and substitute each R group with the R group of the respective amino acid.
tripeptide Asp-Ser-Val
Learn how to draw alpha amino acids and primary structure of proteins in this video lesson!
Topic: Nitrogen Compounds, Organic Chemistry, JC, H2, A Level Chemistry, Singapore
You can also view this video lesson with screenshots and detailed explanation at https://chemistryguru.com.sg/how-to-draw-amino-acids-and-proteins
Do check out the following for more video lessons:
Organic Chemistry Videos at https://chemistryguru.com.sg/a-level-organic-chemistry-video-lessons
A Level Chemistry Videos at https://chemistryguru.com.sg/a-level-chemistry-video-lessons
If you are looking for H2 Chemistry Tuition, do consider taking up my classes at Bishan. More info at https://chemistryguru.com.sg/
