Lecture 6 - Tertiary and quaternary protein structure

Question 1

Domains in proteins

Answer 1

Independently folded, compact units

Can be connected by loops and associated with non-covalent interaction

Question 2

What do domains do?

Answer 2

Often have a standalone function, e.g. binding a specific ligand or performing a catalytic function

Multiple domains can be combined for a multi-function protein

Question 3

Are domains conserved?

Answer 3

Yes, although protein amino acid sequences change as evolution occurs, the folding for domains remains conserved

Question 4

The four motifs/domains of protein structure

Answer 4

1 - all α helices
2 - all β-pleated sheets
3 - a mix of both α helices and β-pleated sheets
4 - Both α helices and β-pleated sheets in clear distinct regions