Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which missense mutation is least likely to affect protein function?
A
Substitution of phenylalanine with serine
B
Substitution of glycine with proline
C
Substitution of arginine with glutamic acid
D
Substitution of leucine with isoleucine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a missense mutation: A missense mutation is a point mutation in which a single nucleotide change results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. This can affect protein function depending on the properties of the amino acids involved.
Consider the properties of the amino acids involved in each substitution: Amino acids have different properties such as size, charge, and hydrophobicity, which can affect protein structure and function.
Analyze the substitution of phenylalanine with serine: Phenylalanine is a nonpolar, aromatic amino acid, while serine is polar and uncharged. This change could significantly affect protein function due to differences in polarity and size.
Examine the substitution of glycine with proline: Glycine is small and flexible, while proline is rigid and can introduce kinks in protein structure. This substitution is likely to have a significant impact on protein function.
Evaluate the substitution of leucine with isoleucine: Both leucine and isoleucine are nonpolar, aliphatic amino acids with similar sizes and properties. This substitution is least likely to affect protein function due to the similarity between the two amino acids.