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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the greatest contributor to spontaneous protein folding?
A
Decreased chain conformational entropy.
B
Increased chain conformational entropy.
C
Decreased entropy of the solvent due to folding.
D
Increased entropy of the solvent due to folding.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of entropy in the context of protein folding. Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. In biochemistry, protein folding is influenced by changes in entropy both within the protein chain and the surrounding solvent.
Consider the role of chain conformational entropy. When a protein folds, its chain conformational entropy typically decreases because the protein adopts a more ordered structure. This decrease in entropy is generally unfavorable for spontaneous folding.
Examine the entropy of the solvent. As a protein folds, it often exposes hydrophobic residues that were previously buried. This exposure can lead to an increase in the entropy of the solvent, as water molecules become less ordered around these hydrophobic regions.
Recognize that increased entropy of the solvent is a key driving force for spontaneous protein folding. The disordering of water molecules around hydrophobic residues contributes positively to the overall entropy change, making the folding process more favorable.
Conclude that the greatest contributor to spontaneous protein folding is the increased entropy of the solvent due to folding, as it offsets the decrease in chain conformational entropy and drives the folding process forward.