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Multiple Choice
This cartoon of the protein hormone insulin illustrates which aspects of insulin's structure?
A
The quaternary structure of hemoglobin
B
The sequence of nucleotides encoding insulin
C
The active site of an enzyme
D
The presence of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural levels of proteins. Proteins have four levels of structure: primary (sequence of amino acids), secondary (local folding patterns like alpha-helices and beta-sheets), tertiary (three-dimensional folding of a single polypeptide chain), and quaternary (assembly of multiple polypeptide chains).
Step 2: Recognize that insulin is a protein hormone composed of two polypeptide chains, referred to as the A-chain and B-chain. These chains are linked together by disulfide bonds, which are covalent bonds formed between the sulfur atoms of cysteine residues.
Step 3: Disulfide bonds play a critical role in stabilizing the quaternary structure of proteins that consist of multiple polypeptide chains. In the case of insulin, these bonds ensure the proper assembly and functionality of the hormone.
Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. The quaternary structure of hemoglobin refers to a different protein and is unrelated to insulin. The sequence of nucleotides encoding insulin pertains to the genetic information, not the structural aspect. The active site of an enzyme is a functional region, but insulin is not an enzyme.
Step 5: Conclude that the cartoon of insulin illustrates the presence of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds, which is a key feature of its quaternary structure.