Biochemistry

- Amino Acids

This chapter begins by reminding students of the chemical structure of an amino acid. We will then discuss the concept of amphoteric properties, which will lead us to the titration of an amino acid.

• We will explore how to utilize the amphoteric properties of amino acids for separation using either thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or ion-exchange chromatography.

• Next, we will examine the reactions of amino acids [deamination, transamination, decarboxylation, etc.].

- Proteins

• A review of peptide bonds.

• The spatial structure of proteins [alpha helices and beta sheets].

• How to transition from a native structure to a denatured structure.

• Methods for determining the amino acid composition of a polypeptide chain [Sanger and Edman methods, etc.].