Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can name the four groups bonded to the central carbon of every amino acid. (Guide: “Amino acids: one shared core, one variable R group”)
- I can sort R groups into nonpolar, polar and ionic, and say where each type tends to sit in a protein dissolved in water. (Guide: R-group table; Practice Q3)
- I can explain how a peptide bond forms between a carboxyl group and an amine group, and say what is released. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q1)
- I can state what holds each of the four levels of protein structure together, and say that secondary structure comes from the backbone, not the R groups. (Guide: “Four levels of protein structure”; Practice Q1, Q3)
- I can name the four kinds of R-group interaction in tertiary structure and say which one is covalent. (Guide: “Tertiary structure”; Practice Q4)
- I can explain why only proteins with two or more chains have quaternary structure. (Guide: “Quaternary structure”; Practice Q6)
Calculation and skills
- I can count the peptide bonds and water molecules for one or more chains, using n − 1 per chain. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2, Q7)
- I can estimate the mass of a protein from the number of amino acids and their mean mass, and the mass change when it is hydrolysed. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q7)
- I can calculate means and percentages from data on altered proteins. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can identify the variables and a suitable control in an experiment on protein folding. (Practice Q5)
Reasoning
- I can predict how replacing one amino acid changes a protein, giving the full chain: R group → interaction → shape → function. (Guide: “Shape determines function”, Worked example 2; Practice Q3, Q4, Q6)
- I can explain why some single changes have a large effect and others almost none. (Guide: “Shape determines function”; Practice Q4, Q6)
- I can explain why a small data set supports, but does not prove, a claim about protein structure. (Guide: Worked example 2)
All ticked? You have finished this unit. Move on to Unit 2, Cells, starting with Topic 2.1, Cell Structure and Function, or return to the course roadmap.