Learn the amino acids in 5 groups of 4. Memorize essential properties such as acidic (negatively charged) versus basic (positively charged) and polar versus hydrophobic. Draw their structures over and over until you have them committed to memory. Fortunately, the amino acids have similar structures. They each contain a basic amino group (−NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (−COOH), and a hydrogen group (-H). They are distinguished by an organic R group (or side chain), which determines their function and is unique to each amino acid.
Primary structure is the linear arrangement of amino acids. They are held together by peptide bonds in a polypeptide chain. Secondary structure makes up the sections of proteins that fold into alpha helices and beta sheets, which are driven by hydrogen bonding. Tertiary structure is the three-dimensional structure resulting from the interactions between amino acids, usually driven by disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. It is the physiological shape of the protein. The tertiary structure of many proteins is still unknown. Quaternary structure results from multiple separate proteins interacting together to form one larger, single protein. They often contain subunits and are globular.
Acids are hydrogen ion (H+) donors and have a pH < 7. Bases are hydrogen ion (H+) acceptors and have a pH > 7.
Strong acids dissociate completely and have very small pKas. Weak acids dissociate incompletely and have higher pKas.
A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acidic or basic solutions are added to it. They are important for keeping solutions at a stable pH. [6] X Research source Buffers are also important in biological systems, such as keeping the human body at a pH of 7. 4.
Other forces such as hydrogen bonds (attractive forces between hydrogen atoms and highly electronegative molecules) are also important. [8] X Research source The type of bond formed between atoms determines some of the properties that molecule will have.
Enzyme inhibition is used pharmacologically to treat many types of diseases that affect the body. Enzymes do not change or get used up in reactions, so they can perform many rounds of catalysis.
Read the associated text in your book and study the figure detailing the process of the pathway. It’s likely that you will need to be able to draw the entire cycle on a test.
Once you have learned one, don’t let it fade away. Redraw it often to make sure you keep it fresh in your mind. Take online quizzes or have a friend quiz you so the metabolic pathways stay fresh in your mind.
For each cycle, you will have starting molecules such as NADH, ADP, or glucose, and end products such as ATP and glycogen. Memorize these general pieces first.
Avoid memorizing for the sake of memorizing. Learn how each intermediate transforms into the next so that you have an actual understanding of the process instead of just rote memorization. [11] X Research source
You should now be able to easily write out every protein, metabolite, and molecule involved in the metabolic pathway. Make sure you know which steps of the pathway are irreversible and why (if applicable).
When test time comes around, you won’t have to worry about learning all of the metabolic pathways because you will have already have them memorized.
Be sure to read for comprehension. At the end of each section, summarize the material in your notes. Try answering some of the questions at the end of the chapter to check your understanding of the concepts.
Redraw important figures in your notes to go back and study later.
Use a system that works for you. Don’t just copy your friend’s notes and hope it makes you better at studying. Avoid overdoing it. Using too many different colors will turn your notes into a rainbow, but will not be as useful. [14] X Research source
Seek out your teacher to ask questions that may not have been answered during class time.
Write out paper flashcards or make digital flashcards that you can carry with you on your phone. Whenever you have downtime, take out your flashcards and flip through them.
