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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4:12 minutes

Problem 21c

Textbook Question

What type of interaction would you expect between the R groups of the following amino acids in a tertiary structure?
c. serine and aspartate

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the R groups of the amino acids: Serine has a hydroxyl (-OH) group in its side chain, making it polar, while aspartate has a carboxylate (-COO⁻) group, which is negatively charged and also polar.

Understand the nature of the interaction: Polar groups can interact through hydrogen bonding or ionic interactions. In this case, the hydroxyl group of serine can act as a hydrogen bond donor or acceptor, and the carboxylate group of aspartate can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor.

Determine the specific interaction: The hydroxyl group of serine can form a hydrogen bond with the negatively charged carboxylate group of aspartate. This is a hydrogen bonding interaction.

Consider the context of tertiary structure: In the folded protein, these interactions help stabilize the three-dimensional structure by bringing the side chains of serine and aspartate into close proximity.

Conclude the type of interaction: The interaction between the R groups of serine and aspartate in a tertiary structure is primarily a hydrogen bond, facilitated by the polar nature of their side chains.

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Key Concepts

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

Amino Acid R Groups

Amino acids have unique side chains known as R groups, which determine their chemical properties and interactions. These R groups can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic, influencing how amino acids interact with each other in a protein's tertiary structure. Understanding the nature of these R groups is essential for predicting interactions in protein folding.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a type of weak interaction that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom, like oxygen or nitrogen, is attracted to another electronegative atom. In the context of serine and aspartate, the hydroxyl group of serine can form hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl group of aspartate, stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins.

Ionic Interactions

Ionic interactions occur between charged R groups of amino acids, such as the negatively charged aspartate and the positively charged groups of other amino acids. These interactions can significantly influence protein structure and stability, as they help to hold the tertiary structure together by attracting oppositely charged groups.

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