Cambridge AS & A Level Biology

2.3Proteins

Proteins in Cambridge AS & A Level Biology: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

Subtopic41 practice questions2 lessons

Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

2.3.1Describe and draw the general structure of an amino acid and the formation and breakage of a peptide bond.
2.3.2Explain primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure.
2.3.3Describe the interactions that hold proteins in shape: hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds and covalent (including disulfide) bonds.
2.3.4State that globular proteins are generally soluble with physiological roles and fibrous proteins generally insoluble with structural roles.
2.3.5Describe haemoglobin as a globular protein of two alpha chains, two beta chains and haem groups.
2.3.6Relate the structure of haemoglobin, including the iron in haem, to its function.
2.3.7Describe collagen as a fibrous protein and how its molecules form fibres.
2.3.8Relate the structure of collagen molecules and fibres to their function.

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