High School Biology : Understanding Protein Folding

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Protein Structure

Which of the following types of amino acids would most likely be found in the center of eukaryotic globular proteins?

Possible Answers:

Hydrophilic amino acids

Hydrophobic amino acids

All of these

None of these

Polar amino acids

 

Correct answer:

Hydrophobic amino acids

Explanation:

Water is known as the “universal solvent.” Life could not exist on earth without water. Our bodies are mostly water; therefore, the environment of our cells is aqueous as well. Hydrophobic (“water fearing") amino acids would condense to "hide" from an aqueous environment. Polar and/or hydrophilic (“water loving”) amino acids would be found on the exterior of globular proteins near the aqueous environment. Hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity are major forces that drive the formation of the tertiary or three-dimensional shape of a protein post translation.

Example Question #11 : Protein Structure

In protein folding, secondary structures refer to which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Interactions between two or more polypeptide chains

Both alpha helices and beta sheets

Beta sheets only

The linear sequence of amino acids

Alpha helices only

Correct answer:

Both alpha helices and beta sheets

Explanation:

Primary structure of protein is the sequence of amino acids. Secondary structure is formed by hydrogen bonds between the peptide backbone which forms either alpha helices or beta sheets. Tertiary structure is dependent on side chains and the environment in which the protein is. Quaternary structure is conferred once bonds between two or more polypeptide chains are formed.

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