Textbook Question
Would you expect to find this segment at the center or at the surface of a protein? Why?
Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives11
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy54
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements51
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions41
- Ch.8 Gases29
- Ch.9 Solutions51
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium65
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons78
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones83
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides90
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis83
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production67
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 59c
Identify the amino acids and type of interaction that occurs between the following R groups in tertiary protein structures:
c. —CH2—SH and HS—CH2—
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the amino acids that contain the R group —CH₂—SH. This functional group is characteristic of the amino acid cysteine, which has a thiol (-SH) group in its side chain.
Recognize that the interaction between two cysteine residues occurs through their thiol (-SH) groups. These groups can undergo an oxidation reaction to form a disulfide bond (-S—S-).
Understand that disulfide bonds are a type of covalent bond and are important in stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins by linking different parts of the polypeptide chain.
Write the chemical reaction for the formation of a disulfide bond: .
Conclude that the interaction between the two R groups —CH₂—SH and HS—CH₂— is a disulfide bond, which is a covalent interaction that contributes to the stabilization of the protein's tertiary structure.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive R group (side chain) that determines its properties. The specific R groups of amino acids influence how they interact with each other, which is crucial for protein structure and function.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:03
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Tertiary Protein Structure
Tertiary protein structure refers to the three-dimensional shape of a protein that results from the folding and interactions of its polypeptide chains. This structure is stabilized by various interactions among the R groups of amino acids, including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bridges. Understanding tertiary structure is essential for grasping how proteins function in biological systems.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:07Tertiary Protein Structure Concept 1
Disulfide Bonds
Disulfide bonds are covalent linkages formed between the sulfur atoms of two cysteine amino acids, which can significantly stabilize the tertiary structure of proteins. In the context of the given R groups (—CH₂—SH and HS—CH₂—), these groups can form a disulfide bond when they come into proximity, contributing to the overall stability and functionality of the protein. This type of interaction is particularly important in extracellular proteins that require a stable structure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:50Bond Energy
Related Practice
Textbook Question
What type of interaction would you expect between the following in a tertiary structure?
a. threonine and glutamine
Textbook Question
Draw the condensed structural formula for Ser–Lys–Asp.
Textbook Question
Identify the amino acids and type of interaction that occurs between the following R groups in tertiary protein structures:
a.
Textbook Question
Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins.
<IMAGE>
a. The directions for a gelatin (protein) dessert say not to add fresh pineapple. However, canned pineapple where pineapple is heated to high temperatures can be added. Why?
Textbook Question
Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins.
<IMAGE>
b. Fresh pineapple is used in a marinade to tenderize tough meat. Why?