Define the following terms:

a) Anomers

b) Denaturation of proteins

c) Essential amino acids

a) Anomers are defined as the cyclic monosaccharides that are epimers which differ from each other in the aldose at the C1 position and in the ketose at the C2 position.

For instance, α-D-Glucopyranose and β-D-glucopyranose are anomers.

b) Denaturation of proteins - Proteinsare one of the major macromolecules found in a biological system having a unique 3-D structure with an activity and referred to as native form of the protein.

 Many interactions are used to stabilize that particular 3-D conformations of the proteinsand which are relatively weak and sensitive to various factors which include high temperature and pH etc.When a native form of a protein is subjected to any physical stress/change such as heating or treated with mineral acids, the hydrogen bonds get disturbed. Due to this, proteins such as globules unfold and helix get uncoiled. This ultimately results in the protein loses its biological functioning. This is known as denaturation.

 Upon denaturation or unfolding, 3-D structure of proteins is altered but their primary structure remains intact.

 The most common example of denaturation of proteins is the coagulation of albumin present in the white of an egg. When egg is boiled hard, the soluble globular protein present in it is denatured resulting in the formation of insoluble fibrous proteins.

c) Essential amino acids - The amino acids which cannot be synthesised by our body but are very crucial for our normal activity and functioning of the body. Hence, they are required in our diet are known as essential amino acids. They have to be supplied to our body by outside source through foods which contain them. Ex - Arginine, Histidine and Lysine etc.