Protein Folding

Question 1

Describe the primary structure of a protein.

Answer 1

• Sequence of amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

Question 2

Describe the secondary structure of a protein.

Answer 2

• Folding/spiralling of the primary structure into beta pleated sheets or alpha helices
• Hydrogen bonds between O and H atoms of amino acids.

Question 3

Describe the tertiary structure of a protein.

Answer 3

• Secondary structure bend and fold to form precise 3D shapes.
• Chemical bonds maintain tertiary shape
• Chemical bonds consist of; disulphide bonds, ionic bonds and hydrophobic interactions.

Question 4

How do hydrophobic interactions affect the folding of the protein?

Answer 4

• Cause the polypeptide chain to fold in on itself, causing all the hydrophobic parts of the amino acids to be on the inside of the protein.
  
  • The inside of the protein is called the hydrophobic exclusion.

Question 5

Describe the quaternary structure.

Answer 5

• When 4 tertiary structures join together.