Textbook Question
If a blood test indicates a high level of ALT, what could be the cause?
1
views
Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives11
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy54
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements51
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions41
- Ch.8 Gases29
- Ch.9 Solutions51
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium65
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons78
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones83
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides90
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis83
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production67
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 81d
Consider the amino acids lysine, valine, and aspartate in an enzyme. State which of these amino acids have R groups that would:
d. form salt bridges
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of salt bridges: Salt bridges are ionic interactions that occur between oppositely charged R groups of amino acids in proteins. These interactions typically involve acidic and basic side chains.
Identify the amino acids provided: Lysine, valine, and aspartate. Examine their R groups to determine if they can participate in salt bridge formation.
Analyze lysine: Lysine has a basic R group with an amino group (-NH3+) that can carry a positive charge at physiological pH, making it capable of forming salt bridges with negatively charged groups.
Analyze aspartate: Aspartate has an acidic R group with a carboxylate group (-COO-) that carries a negative charge at physiological pH, allowing it to form salt bridges with positively charged groups.
Analyze valine: Valine has a nonpolar, hydrophobic R group (an isopropyl group) that does not carry a charge and therefore cannot participate in salt bridge formation.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Amino Acid R Groups
Amino acids have unique side chains, known as R groups, that determine their chemical properties and interactions. These R groups can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic, influencing how amino acids behave in proteins. Understanding the nature of these R groups is essential for predicting interactions such as salt bridge formation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:21
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Concept 2
Salt Bridges
Salt bridges are non-covalent interactions that occur between positively and negatively charged R groups of amino acids. They play a crucial role in stabilizing protein structures and are particularly important in enzyme function. In the context of lysine, valine, and aspartate, identifying which amino acids can form these interactions is key to understanding their roles in enzymatic activity.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:50Ionic Salts
Acidic and Basic Amino Acids
Amino acids can be classified as acidic or basic based on the nature of their R groups. Aspartate is an acidic amino acid with a negatively charged side chain, while lysine is a basic amino acid with a positively charged side chain. Valine, being nonpolar, does not participate in salt bridge formation, making the distinction between these classifications vital for answering the question.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:33Amino Acid Classifications Example 3
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Consider the amino acids lysine, valine, and aspartate in an enzyme. State which of these amino acids have R groups that would:
b. be found in hydrophilic regions
Textbook Question
Consider the amino acids lysine, valine, and aspartate in an enzyme. State which of these amino acids have R groups that would:
c. form hydrogen bonds
Textbook Question
Consider the amino acids histidine, phenylalanine, and serine in an enzyme. State which of these amino acids have R groups that would:
d. form salt bridges