Define and describe the differences in the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of a protein.

Individuals with phenylketonuria cannot convert phenylalanine to tyrosine. Why don't these individuals exhibit a deficiency of tyrosine?

Early detection and adherence to a strict dietary regimen have prevented much of the intellectual disability that used to occur in those with phenylketonuria (PKU). Affected individuals now often lead normal lives and have families. For various reasons, such individuals tend to adhere less rigorously to their diet as they get older. Predict the effect that mothers with PKU who neglect their diets might have on newborns.

The study of biochemical mutants in organisms such as Neurospora has demonstrated that some pathways are branched. The data shown in the following table illustrate the branched nature of the pathway resulting in the synthesis of thiamine:Growth Supplement _Mutation Minimal Medium Pyrimidine Thiazole Thiaminethi-1 − − + +thi-2 − + − +thi-3 − − − +Why don't the data support a linear pathway? Can you postulate a pathway for the synthesis of thiamine in Neurospora?

Why is an alteration of electrophoretic mobility interpreted as a change in the primary structure of the protein under study?

Using sickle-cell anemia as an example, describe what is meant by a molecular or genetic disease. What are the similarities and dissimilarities between this type of a disorder and a disease caused by an invading microorganism?

Hemoglobins from two individuals are compared by electrophoresis and by fingerprinting. Electrophoresis reveals no difference in migration, but fingerprinting shows an amino acid difference. How is this possible?