2.6 - Proteins

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Proteins

Higher Chemistry 2.6

Proteins are the major structural materials of animal tissue and are involved in the maintenance and regulation of life. They are an essential part of the diet.

Proteins are polymers made from monomers called amino acids. 

Amino acid molecules have two functional groups:

    • amine group (-NH2)
    • carboxyl group (-COOH)

When amino acids react together, the amino group and the -OH from the carboxyl group join together to form an amide/peptide link (-CONH). The reaction to form a protein is referred to as condensation polymerisation.

To break down proteins, a hydrolysis reaction takes place. The peptide link is broken by water to…

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