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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5:17 minutes

Problem 24

Textbook Question

When a protein folds into its tertiary structure, does the primary structure change? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the definitions: The primary structure of a protein is its sequence of amino acids, while the tertiary structure is the three-dimensional shape formed by the folding of the protein.

Recognize that the primary structure is determined by the covalent peptide bonds between amino acids, which are strong and stable.

Acknowledge that the tertiary structure is stabilized by various interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bridges.

Realize that during the folding process, the primary structure (amino acid sequence) remains unchanged because the peptide bonds are not broken or altered.

Conclude that while the tertiary structure involves the spatial arrangement of the protein, the primary structure remains constant throughout the folding process.

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Key Concepts

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

Primary Structure of Proteins

The primary structure of a protein refers to its unique sequence of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds. This sequence determines the protein's identity and is crucial for its overall function. Changes in the primary structure can lead to significant alterations in the protein's properties and functionality.

Tertiary Structure of Proteins

The tertiary structure of a protein is its three-dimensional shape formed by the folding and interactions of the secondary structures (alpha helices and beta sheets). This folding is driven by various interactions, including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. The tertiary structure is essential for the protein's biological activity and function.

Protein Folding

Protein folding is the process by which a linear chain of amino acids acquires its functional three-dimensional structure. This process is influenced by the primary structure and occurs spontaneously in most cases, although it can be assisted by molecular chaperones. Importantly, while the tertiary structure changes during folding, the primary structure remains unchanged throughout this process.

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Textbook Question

Consider the amino acids histidine, phenylalanine, and serine in an enzyme. State which of these amino acids have R groups that would:

d. form salt bridges

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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

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Textbook Question

In myoglobin, about one-half of the 153 amino acids have nonpolar R groups.

a. Where would you expect those amino acids to be located in the tertiary structure?

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In myoglobin, about one-half of the 153 amino acids have nonpolar R groups.

b. Where would you expect the polar R groups to be in the tertiary structure?

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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?

b. alanine and valine

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Textbook Question

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?

a. lysine and glutamate

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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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