Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

18. Amino Acids and Proteins

Tertiary Protein Structure

GOB Chemistry

18. Amino Acids and Proteins

Tertiary Protein Structure

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3:46 minutes

Problem 30a

Textbook Question

Myoglobin is a protein containing 153 amino acids. Approximately half of the amino acids in myoglobin have polar side chains.
a. Where would you expect these amino acid side chains to be located in the tertiary structure of the protein?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of myoglobin: Myoglobin is a globular protein, which means it has a compact, spherical shape.

Recognize the nature of polar side chains: Polar side chains are hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to water.

Consider the environment of myoglobin: In an aqueous environment, such as the cytoplasm of a cell, proteins like myoglobin are surrounded by water.

Predict the location of polar side chains: In the tertiary structure of myoglobin, polar side chains are likely to be located on the exterior surface of the protein, where they can interact with the surrounding water molecules.

Contrast with non-polar side chains: Non-polar side chains, which are hydrophobic, tend to be located in the interior of the protein, away from water.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Tertiary Structure of Proteins

The tertiary structure of a protein refers to its three-dimensional shape formed by the folding of the polypeptide chain. This structure is stabilized by various interactions, including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bridges. Understanding the tertiary structure is crucial for predicting how a protein will function and interact with other molecules.

Polar and Nonpolar Amino Acids

Amino acids can be classified based on the properties of their side chains as polar or nonpolar. Polar amino acids have side chains that can form hydrogen bonds with water, making them hydrophilic, while nonpolar amino acids have hydrophobic side chains that do not interact favorably with water. The distribution of these amino acids in a protein's structure influences its folding and stability.

Hydrophobic Effect

The hydrophobic effect is a key driving force in protein folding, where nonpolar side chains tend to cluster away from the aqueous environment, while polar side chains are oriented towards the surface. This phenomenon helps stabilize the protein's tertiary structure by minimizing the exposure of hydrophobic regions to water, thus influencing the overall conformation and functionality of the protein.

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What type of interaction would you expect between the side chains of each of the following pairs of amino acids in the tertiary structure of a protein?

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What type of interaction would you expect between the side chains of each of the following pairs of amino acids in the tertiary structure of a protein?

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What type of interaction would you expect between the side chains of each of the following pairs of amino acids in the tertiary structure of a protein?

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What type of interaction would you expect between the side chains of each of the following pairs of amino acids in the tertiary structure of a protein?

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Textbook Question

Myoglobin is a protein containing 153 amino acids. Approximately half of the amino acids in myoglobin have polar side chains.

b. Where would you expect the nonpolar side chains to be?

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Textbook Question

Would you expect to find this segment at the center or on the surface of a globular protein? Why?

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Textbook Question

Name the covalent bond that helps to stabilize the tertiary structure of a protein.

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Textbook Question

Collagen contains an amino acid that is a modified form of the naturally occurring amino acid.

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Myoglobin is a protein containing 153 amino acids. Approximately half of the amino acids in myoglobin have polar side chains.a. Where would you expect these amino acid side chains to be located in the tertiary structure of the protein?

Key Concepts

Tertiary Structure of Proteins

Polar and Nonpolar Amino Acids

Hydrophobic Effect

Watch next

Myoglobin is a protein containing 153 amino acids. Approximately half of the amino acids in myoglobin have polar side chains.
a. Where would you expect these amino acid side chains to be located in the tertiary structure of the protein?