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Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 14th Edition
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 47b

Indicate whether each of the following describes a competitive or a noncompetitive enzyme inhibitor:
a. The inhibitor has a structure similar to the substrate.

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1
Understand the four levels of protein structure: Primary structure refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. Secondary structure involves local folding patterns such as alpha helices and beta sheets. Tertiary structure describes the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain. Quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains or subunits in a protein.
Analyze the statement: 'Protein chains of collagen form a triple helix.' This describes the interaction and arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains.
Recognize that the triple helix is formed by three polypeptide chains interacting and stabilizing each other through hydrogen bonds and other forces.
Determine that this arrangement of multiple chains corresponds to quaternary protein structure, as it involves the organization of more than one polypeptide chain.
Conclude that the statement describes quaternary protein structure because it specifies the structural arrangement of multiple protein chains forming a triple helix.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Protein Structure Levels

Proteins have four levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Primary structure refers to the linear sequence of amino acids, secondary structure involves local folding patterns like alpha helices and beta sheets, tertiary structure is the overall 3D shape of a single polypeptide, and quaternary structure describes the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains into a functional protein.
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Summary of Protein Structure Concept 1

Collagen Structure

Collagen is a structural protein that primarily exhibits a unique triple helix formation in its secondary structure. This triple helix is composed of three polypeptide chains wound around each other, providing strength and support to various tissues, such as skin, bones, and cartilage.
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Helical Structures in Proteins

Helical structures, such as the triple helix found in collagen, are a common feature in protein secondary structures. These helices are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone of the polypeptide chains, contributing to the protein's stability and functionality in biological systems.
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Tertiary Protein Structure Concept 1