Asked in PMC Practice Test 11 (2021) 2021Moderate

In an aqueous environment, the most stable tertiary conformation is that in which type of amino acids are buried inside the conformation?

Correct answer: B. Hydrophobic

  • A. Hydrophilic
  • B. Hydrophobic
  • C. Basic
  • D. Acidic

Explanation

In an aqueous environment, the most stable tertiary conformation of a protein is usually one in which the hydrophobic amino acids are buried inside the protein, away from the water, while the hydrophilic amino acids are exposed to the solvent. This is because water molecules tend to form a cage-like structure around nonpolar molecules, making it energetically unfavourable for hydrophobic amino acids to be exposed to the aqueous environment.

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Proteins are polymers of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, and their function depends on primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. The topic covers fibrous and globular proteins, enzymes, antibodies, hormones and transport proteins, as well as denaturation by heat or extreme pH.

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