Globular and fibrous proteins

Overview

Globular proteins such as insulin and enzymes alongside fibrous proteins such as collagen, keratin and elastin, and how shape and solubility follow function.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Describe the general shape and solubility of globular proteins.

   Model answer

   Globular proteins have polypeptide chains folded into compact spherical shapes and are generally soluble in water.

2. 2

   What is a conjugated protein?

   Model answer

   A protein that contains a non-protein prosthetic group as part of its structure.

3. 3

   What type of protein are enzymes and what determines their function?

   Model answer

   Enzymes are globular proteins that act as biological catalysts, with a specific active site shape determined by their tertiary structure.

4. 4

   Describe the structure of insulin.

   Model answer

   A globular protein hormone consisting of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds.

5. 5

   Describe the general structure and solubility of fibrous proteins.

   Model answer

   Fibrous proteins have long polypeptide chains arranged in parallel, forming fibres or sheets, and are generally insoluble in water.

6. 6

   What is the function of collagen?

   Model answer

   Collagen provides structural support and tensile strength in connective tissues.

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