Campbell Biology (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321775651
ISBN 13: 978-0-32177-565-8

Chapter 14 - 14.4 - Concept Check - Page 288: 2

Answer

Proteins have complex secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structrues, and their amino acid sequences determine how they interact with other molecules. The one amino acid mutation creates a new chemistry shape on the protein surface which, under low-oxygen conditions, causes the proteins to link together non-covalently and make filaments.

Work Step by Step

Review the material from Ch. 5 on protein shape. Use your imagination to see how a changed amino acid on the outside of the protein changes its ability to interact with other proteins, including other copies of itself, making a new quaternary structure (the filament).
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