Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA (AQA)

4 Full Lesson Bundle on Amino acids, Proteins and DNA. Suitable for the AQA A Level Chemistry specification. Please review the learning objectives below.

**Lesson 1: Amino Acids **

1. To know how to name and draw amino acids
2. To draw the structures of amino acids as zwitterions and in acidic and alkaline solution.
3. To explain how amino acids can be separated and identified by thin layer chromatography

**Lesson 2: Peptides, Polypeptides and Proteins **

1. To know how to draw the structure of a peptide formed from up to three amino acids
2. To identify primary, secondary and tertiary structures in diagrams
3. To explain how primary, secondary and tertiary structures are maintained by hydrogen bonding and S-S bonds

Lesson 3: Hydrolysis of Peptides and Enzyme Action

1. To know how to draw the structure of the amino acids formed by hydrolysis of a peptide
2. To explain why a stereospecific active site can only bond to one enantiomeric form of a substrate or drug.
3. To explain the principle of a drug acting as an enzyme inhibitor by blocking the active site.

Lesson 4: DNA and Anticancer Drugs

1. To know how to draw the structures of the four different nucleotides that make up DNA as well as the phosphodiester bonds that connect nucleotides together to form polynucleotides
2. To explain how hydrogen bonding between base pairs leads to the two complementary strands of DNA.
3. To explain why cisplatin prevents DNA replication and why such drugs can have adverse effects.