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Multiple Choice
Covalent modification of an enzyme usually involves phosphorylation / dephosphorylation of:
A
Lysine residue.
B
Proline residue.
C
Serine residue.
D
Aspartate residue.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of covalent modification: Covalent modification is a regulatory mechanism where enzymes are activated or deactivated by the addition or removal of chemical groups, such as phosphate groups.
Learn about phosphorylation and dephosphorylation: These processes involve the addition (phosphorylation) or removal (dephosphorylation) of a phosphate group, typically mediated by kinases and phosphatases, respectively.
Identify the amino acid residues commonly involved in phosphorylation: Phosphorylation typically occurs on amino acid residues with hydroxyl (-OH) groups in their side chains, such as serine, threonine, and tyrosine.
Analyze the options provided: Lysine and proline do not have hydroxyl groups in their side chains, making them unlikely candidates for phosphorylation. Aspartate has a carboxyl group, not a hydroxyl group, so it is also not typically phosphorylated. Serine has a hydroxyl group, making it a common site for phosphorylation.
Conclude that serine residues are the correct answer: Based on the chemical properties of the amino acids, serine is the residue most commonly involved in covalent modification through phosphorylation or dephosphorylation.