Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the sequence of amino acids in a protein (its primary structure) is critical to its function?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids dictates the folding and interactions of R groups, which ultimately determines the protein's three-dimensional shape and function.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about peptide bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bonds are covalent bonds formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water.

Question 3

A mutation replaces a hydrophobic amino acid in the core of a protein with a hydrophilic one. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein may misfold or become unstable because hydrophilic residues are usually found on the surface, not the core.

Question 4

Which of the following forces or bonds can contribute to a protein's tertiary structure?

Accepted Answer

All of these: van der Waals forces, covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, and ionic bonding.

Question 5

Which amino acid is most likely to be found at a sharp bend in a protein's structure due to its cyclic R group?

Accepted Answer

Proline

Question 6

What is the main role of disulfide bridges in protein structure?

Accepted Answer

They create covalent links between cysteine residues, stabilizing tertiary or quaternary structure.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

The local folding of the polypeptide chain into structures such as alpha helices and beta sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Question 8

A protein is exposed to high heat and loses its functional shape. Which process has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Question 9

Why do histone proteins evolve very slowly compared to other proteins?

Accepted Answer

Their function requires a high content of basic amino acids to bind DNA, so changes are likely to disrupt their role.

Question 10

Which of the following amino acids is most likely to be found on the surface of a soluble protein in the cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

Serine (hydrophilic)

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the quaternary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The arrangement and interaction of multiple polypeptide subunits in a multi-subunit protein.

Question 12

A scientist is studying a protein that contains both alpha helices and beta sheets. Which level(s) of protein structure are directly involved in forming these features?

Accepted Answer

Primary and secondary structure

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the R group (side chain) of amino acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

The R group determines the unique chemical properties of each amino acid.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct representation of the dehydration synthesis reaction that forms a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Amino\ acid}_1 + \mathrm{Amino\ acid}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Dipeptide} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$

Question 15

A protein's function is altered after exposure to a nonpolar solvent. Which of the following best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic R groups move to the protein's surface, disrupting its normal folding and function.

Question 16

Which of the following amino acids is most likely to form a disulfide bond?

Accepted Answer

Cysteine

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of chaperone proteins?

Accepted Answer

They assist in the proper folding of other proteins and help prevent denaturation.

Question 18

A patient has a genetic disorder that causes the substitution of a basic amino acid for an acidic one in a key enzyme. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme's active site may lose its ability to bind negatively charged substrates.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the location of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids in a globular protein found in the cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic amino acids are typically found in the protein's core, while hydrophilic amino acids are found on the surface.

Protein Structure, Function, and Synthesis: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards