Q. 16.59 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the amino acids and type of interaction that occurs between the following  R groups in tertiary protein structures:

a)

                   

b)

             

c)

               

d)

                  

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(Part a)

a)    

                   

(Part b) 

b)

                       

(Part c)

c)

                                 

(Part d) 

d)

               

step-1 Introduction (Part a)

• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. 
• One hydrogen atom, one amine group $\left(-{\mathrm{NH}}_2\right)$, one carboxylic acid group $(-\mathrm{COOH})$, and one side chain $\mathrm{R}$ group  are all connected to the central carbon atom in these molecules.
• Depending on the structure, the R group might be polar, neutral, or charged. 
• Their chemical makeup influences how they interact with one another.

step-2 Given information (part a)

The amino acids and their possible interactions with the R groups are listed below:

step-3 Explanation (part a)

                    

step-4 Given information (part-b)

 Aspartic acid and lysine are linked by a salt bridge.

step-5 Explanation (part-b)

   

                            

step-6 Given information (part-c)

A disulfide link connects cysteine with cysteine. 

step-7 Explanation (part-c)

                   

step-8 Given information (part-d)

Because both leucine and alanine are nonpolar, they interact hydrophobically.

step-9 Explanation (part-d)