As a researcher in a protein lab, you analyze two different proteins for their shape and the amino acids they contain. Your results show that the two proteins have exactly the same numbers and types of amino acids, but they have different shapes. What is the best explanation for these results?

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Social Studies

Tickles

10 September, 13:47

As a researcher in a protein lab, you analyze two different proteins for their shape and the amino acids they contain. Your results show that the two proteins have exactly the same numbers and types of amino acids, but they have different shapes. What is the best explanation for these results?

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Answers (1)

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Alex · Answer 1

While the proteins have the same number and type of amino acids, their shape is different because each of them has a unique sequence of amino acids.

Explanation:

Proteins are made up of amino acids. The sequence of these amino acids actually determines the functions and overall composition of the protein. This also has a direct impact on how protein reacts with it's environment e. g. within our bodies during digestion. Hence, while two protein samples have similar number and types of amino acids, their shapes are different.

Amino acids are further broken down into hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen molecules. They way these atoms are arrange further impacts the composition and function of the amino acids.