4. Protein Structure

Estimate the net charge for the following peptide at pH 7: ATLDAK.

Estimate the net charge for a His-His-His-His peptide at pH 6 (His pK  _R = 6).

Answer the following questions (A, B & C) relating to the 4 tripeptides.

i) Tyr-Lys-Met                    ii) Asp-Trp-Tyr                    iii) Asp-His-Glu                  iv) Leu-Val-Phe

A. Which tripeptide is most negatively charged at pH = 7? _________

B. Which tripeptide contains the largest number of nonpolar R groups? __________

C. Which tripeptide contains sulfur? ____________

A. Draw the predominant structure of the following peptide at pH 9: Asn-Arg-Cys. What is its net charge?

(Asn pK_a1 = 8.8, Arg pK_R = 12.48, Cys pK_a2 = 1.96, Cys pK_R = 8.18).

B. What is the net charge of the same peptide if the pH is lowered to pH = 2? Draw the newly ionized peptide.

C. Within what pH range would the net charge on the peptide above be approximately +1?

pH: ______________

What is the net charge if you drop the peptide above into bleach (pH 12)?