1. Serine is a very important amino acid in protein biochemistry (catalytic side chain – acts as a nucleophile)
a. Draw the amino acid serine (neutral structure/no charges)
b. One of the catalytic reactions that enzymes (kinases) can perform is the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP (co-factor) to another substrate. The first step is the nucleophilic attack of the tertiary phosphate of ATP by the hydroxyl group on serine – draw this electrophilic attack. (Use internet for structure of ATP)
c. Instead of the hydroxyl group on the serine side chain performing a nucleophilic attack on a tertiary phosphate, the hydroxyl group performs a nucleophilic attack on an electrophilic drug – this is the chemical basis for what mechanism of drug action?