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Cell Biology
Quick questions on Protein structure and function: H2 Biology Cell Biology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the four levels of structure?Show answer
Primary structure is the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide, joined by peptide bonds. It is determined by the gene. Because the sequence dictates how the chain folds, the primary structure ultimately determines every higher level.
What is denaturation?Show answer
Denaturation is the loss of the specific tertiary (and quaternary) shape without breaking peptide bonds. High temperature increases kinetic energy and breaks the weak hydrogen and ionic bonds; extremes of pH alter the charge on R groups, disrupting ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds. Either way the chain unfolds, the active site is lost, and function fails, usually irreversibly.
What is q1?Show answer
State the type of bond responsible for stabilising the secondary structure of a protein. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why a change in pH can cause an enzyme to lose activity. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Distinguish between the primary and tertiary structure of a protein. [2 marks]
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