Protein shape, conjugated proteins and prions

Overview

General shape of a fibrous protein, fibrous protein that gives tendons and skin their tensile strength and structure of a collagen molecule.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Describe the general shape of a fibrous protein.

   Model answer

   A fibrous protein is a long, narrow, insoluble strand, often with several chains wound around one another.

2. 2

   Name the fibrous protein that gives tendons and skin their tensile strength.

   Model answer

   Collagen is the fibrous protein that gives these tissues their tensile strength.

3. 3

   Describe the structure of a collagen molecule.

   Model answer

   Three polypeptide chains are wound around each other in a triple helix and are cross-linked, producing an insoluble fibre of very high tensile strength.

4. 4

   Describe the general shape and solubility of a globular protein.

   Model answer

   A globular protein is compact and roughly spherical, with hydrophilic R groups on the outside, which makes it soluble in water.

5. 5

   Give an example of a globular protein and state what its shape allows it to do.

   Model answer

   An enzyme is a globular protein, and its precise folded shape creates an active site complementary to one substrate.

6. 6

   Define the term conjugated protein.

   Model answer

   A conjugated protein is a protein with a non-protein prosthetic group permanently attached to it.

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