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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

🎈 Big Idea: Just as diverse Lego pieces can build a variety of fun structures, the chemical diversity in amino acids&#39; R-groups allows for the creation of a vast array of proteins, each with a unique function! 🎈

<ul>
	<li>All proteins in our body start off with a set of 20 different amino acids.</li>
	<li>Think of these like the 20 different ingredients in a master chef&#39;s kitchen, ready to create countless dishes.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Each amino acid has a unique &quot;R-group.&quot;</li>
	<li>R-groups are like the unique flavors in each ingredient that determine the taste of the dish.</li>
	<li>Table 2 (not shown here) lists the elements present in these R-groups.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Amino acids connect to form a chain called a polypeptide.</li>
	<li>How? The amine group (&ndash;NH2) of one amino acid links with the carboxyl group (&ndash;COOH) of another. Think of this like linking two paperclips together.</li>
	<li>Fun fact: This leaves one free amine group at one end and a free carboxyl group at the other end. It&rsquo;s like having two different types of pendants on each end of a necklace.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Some R-groups dislike water (hydrophobic) while others love it (hydrophilic).

	<ul>
		<li>Example: It&#39;s like some people enjoying a dip in the pool, while others prefer to sunbathe without getting wet.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Among those that love water (hydrophilic):

	<ul>
		<li>Some have a polar attraction.</li>
		<li>Others can get charged, either positively (+) or negatively (&minus;), acting like mini batteries by being acidic or basic.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	While most proteins use the basic 20 amino acids, some get a little creative and use modified versions.

	<ul>
		<li>Example: It&#39;s like adding a twist to a classic recipe.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Take collagen for instance:

	<ul>
		<li>Job: Gives strength to tendons, ligaments, skin, and blood vessel walls. (Imagine it as the &#39;reinforcement&#39; in a building)</li>
		<li>What&#39;s special?: Although made with the amino acid proline, some of it gets upgraded to hydroxyproline, making the protein more stable. Think of it as adding an extra shot of espresso to your coffee for that extra kick!</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

The remarkable diversity of R-groups in amino acids grants life its incredible variety of proteins, each playing a unique role in keeping organisms functioning and fabulous! 🎉🧬🍔

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlock Amino Acid Secrets Basis of Protein Diversity!

Table of content

🌈 The magical 20 amino acids

🎨 The art of the R-groups

🔗 The chain connection

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlock Amino Acid Secrets Basis of Protein Diversity!

Table of content

🌈 The magical 20 amino acids

🎨 The art of the R-groups

🔗 The chain connection

Unlock the Full Content!