BASIC CONCEPTS IN • A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE BIOCHEMISTRY

PROTEIN STRUCTURE •
Amino Acid Structure
Interactions
Water
Hydrophobic Interaction
Van der Waals Interactions and London Dispersion Forces
Hydrogen Bonds
Secondary Structure
Protein Stability
Favorable (Good) Interactions
Unfavorable (Bad) Interactions
Temperature-Sensitive Mutations
Ligand-Binding Specificity
Global Conclusion

Proteins start out life as a bunch of amino acids linked together in a headto-tail
fashion—the primary sequence. The one-dimensional information
contained in the primary amino acid sequence of cellular proteins is
enough to guide a protein into its three-dimensional structure, to determine
its specificity for interaction with other molecules, to determine its
ability to function as an enzyme, and to set its stability and lifetime.

Remembering something about the structures of the amino acids is
just one to those basic language things that must be dealt with since it
crops up over and over again—not only in protein structure but later in
metabolism. You need to get to the point that when you see Asp you
don’t think snake but see a negative charge. Don’t memorize the amino
acids down to the last atom, and don’t spend too much time worrying
about whether glycine is polar or nonpolar. Methylene groups (–CH2–)
may be important, but keeping track of them on an individual basis is
just too much to ask. Organize the amino acids based on the functional
group of the side chain. Having an idea about functional groups of amino
acids will also help when you get to the biosynthesis and catabolism of
amino acids. Might as well bite the bullet early.

Linda Pulgar
administrator
EXPERIENCE Tutor of| Dentist Study Group – Orlando, FL (2016–Present) Prepare international dentists for U.S. boards (NBDHE, ADEX) Speaker and clinical instructor for CE courses Registered Dental Hygienist | Sage Dental – Orlando, FL (2021–Present) Dental Hygiene Skills ⦁ Comprehensive patient assessments and periodontal charting ⦁ Periodontal therapy: scaling and root planing (SRP), full-mouth debridement ⦁ Proficient in radiographic techniques (FMX, BWX, panoramic, Ceph) ⦁ Fluoride applications (varnish, gel), sealants, and desensitizing agents ⦁ Application of localized antimicrobials (Arestin, Atridox) ⦁ Oral hygiene instruction tailored to individual patient needs ⦁ Management of recall systems and re-evaluation protocols ⦁ Soft tissue management, gingival assessments, BOP interpretation ⦁ Infection control, sterilization protocols, OSHA/HIPAA compliance ⦁ Patient education in caries prevention and nutritional counseling Orthodontic Assistant | Multiple Practices – FL (2013–2021) ⦁ Initial orthodontic records: panoramic/cephalometric X-rays, intraoral/extraoral photos, impressions, digital scans ⦁ Bracket placement, band fitting, and bonding assistance ⦁ Archwire changes, ligature tie-ins, elastic and power chain application ⦁ IPR (interproximal reduction) and enamel polishing ⦁ Delivery and adjustment of removable appliances and clear aligners ⦁ Retainer fabrication: Essix, Hawley, and fixed retainers ⦁ Invisalign and iTero scan proficiency ⦁ Orthodontic charting, treatment progress notes, and recall scheduling ⦁ Patient education on appliance care, oral hygiene, and compliance ⦁ Sterilization, inventory management, and operatory setup ⦁ Support during debonding, final impressions, and retainer delivery General & Cosmetic Dentist – Venezuela (2001–2010) Dental Treatments for Oral Rehabilitation in Medically Compromised Patients Patients with systemic conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), or hematologic disorders require an interdisciplinary and medically informed dental approach. Treatment must be tailored to their immunologic, pharmacologic, and systemic health status. ⦁ Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation in coordination with the medical team. ⦁ Antibiotic prophylaxis when medically indicated. ⦁ Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing. ⦁ Topical fluoride applications for patients undergoing cancer therapy or experiencing xerostomia. ⦁ Minimally invasive restorative treatments to preserve tooth structure and reduce trauma. ⦁ Use of biocompatible and metal-free materials when sensitivities are present. ⦁ Removable or fixed prostheses adapted for fragile oral mucosa or dry mouth conditions. ⦁ Intensive oral hygiene education and frequent preventive maintenance visits. ⦁ Monitoring of oral side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., mucositis, osteonecrosis, candidiasis). ⦁ Pain management and comfort-focused care during all procedures. Speaker & Trainer ⦁ Dentist Study group - Dental national board course prep Bilingual ⦁ Dentist study group - Hygienist Uptoday ⦁ Dentist Study group - Medical emergency at dental chair course ⦁ Dentist Study group - Private tutoring for Dental student and Dental hygienist ( Gross anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology,Oral medicine,Periodontics,Radiology) ⦁ Solidaridad Sin Fronteras – Foreign-trained dentist speaker ⦁ Dental Training for you – Ortho Assistant Instructor - Dental assistant Instructor ⦁ Aligner Plus International Speaker EDUCATION Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela ⦁ Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2001 ⦁ Orthodontic Seminar (1 year), 2004 ⦁ Graduate Studies & Continuing Education: ⦁ Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry – UCV Caracas, 2002–2003 ⦁ San Juan de Dios Hospital Internship – Caracas, 2004–2005 ⦁ Orthodontics Seminars ⦁ Invisalign (iTero) Training – Miami, FL ⦁ Implant & Digital Impressions, Rx Certification – Miami, FL ⦁ Aligner Plus – CE & International Training ⦁ ACP, OSHA, HIPAA, and Human Trafficking CE ⦁ INBDE Preparation ⦁ NBDHE Certification ⦁ Ongoing Dental Hygienist CE (Online Courses) Additional Clinical Training: ⦁ Curondont Therapy ⦁ Perio Protect Protocol ⦁ Oral Cancer Screening Techniques ⦁ Periodontal Stromal Therapy