BCMB 401: Protein Chemistry I

Primary structure: amino acid composition of proteins, determination of amino acid sequence, importance of primary structure synthesis of peptides, covalent modification of polypeptides.
Secondary structure (regular arrangement of the polypeptide backbone): peptide bond and its structural implications; random polymers; Ramachandran Plot. Regular conformation of --pleated sheets, other helices (310- helix), super-secondary structures (coiled---keratins, silk fibroin, collagen.
Tertiary structure (folded conformation of globular proteins): determination of protein structure by X-ray crystallography, evidence for folding, re-turns) super-secondary structures (motifs), domains, interiors and exteriors, unfolding and folding. Example: Myoglobin.
Quaternary structure (aggregation of globular proteins). Example: haemoglobin.
Physical forces responsible for maintaining structure.