Textbook Question
Indicate what type(s) of intermolecular forces are disrupted and what level of protein structure is changed by the following denaturing treatments:
c. egg whites whipped in a mixing bowl to make meringue
Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
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Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 73d
For each of the following proteins, note whether the main secondary structure feature is α helix, β-pleated sheet, or both.
e. hexokinase
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the secondary structure of proteins: Proteins have two main types of secondary structures, α helices and β-pleated sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonding between the backbone atoms of the polypeptide chain.
Research the structure of hexokinase: Hexokinase is an enzyme that plays a role in glycolysis by catalyzing the phosphorylation of glucose. Its structure includes both α helices and β-pleated sheets.
Analyze the role of α helices and β-pleated sheets in hexokinase: The α helices often contribute to the enzyme's stability and flexibility, while the β-pleated sheets may form the core of the protein, providing structural support.
Conclude that hexokinase contains both α helices and β-pleated sheets as part of its secondary structure, which is common in many enzymes to allow for their complex functions.
To confirm this information, refer to structural biology databases or scientific literature that detail the 3D structure of hexokinase, such as the Protein Data Bank (PDB).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Secondary Structure of Proteins
The secondary structure of proteins refers to the local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms. The two most common types are α helices, which are coiled structures, and β-pleated sheets, which are formed by parallel or antiparallel strands. Understanding these structures is crucial for analyzing protein function and stability.
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Secondary Protein Structure Example 2
Hexokinase Structure
Hexokinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in glucose metabolism by catalyzing the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. Its structure includes various secondary structural elements, predominantly α helices and β sheets, which contribute to its functional conformation. Recognizing the specific secondary structure features of hexokinase aids in understanding its enzymatic mechanism.
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Protein Folding and Function
The folding of proteins into their secondary structures is essential for their overall three-dimensional shape and function. The specific arrangement of α helices and β sheets influences how a protein interacts with other molecules and performs its biological role. Analyzing the secondary structure can provide insights into the protein's stability, activity, and potential interactions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Describe the changes that occur in the primary structure when a protein is denatured versus when a protein is hydrolyzed.
Textbook Question
Indicate what type(s) of intermolecular forces are disrupted and what level of protein structure is changed by the following denaturing treatments:
a. an egg placed in water at 100 °C and boiled for 10 minutes
Textbook Question
For each of the following proteins, note whether the main secondary structure feature is α helix, β-pleated sheet, or both.
a. collagen
Textbook Question
For each of the following proteins, note whether the main secondary structure feature is α helix, β-pleated sheet, or both.
c. hemoglobin
Textbook Question
Identify the level of protein structure associated with each of the following:
d. salt bridges between polypeptides