A cytosolic protein has an important alpha amino group. The pKa of this group is approximately 8 when exposed to water outside of a protein. 1. What would happen to the pKa if this group was instead buried in the hydrophobic interior of the protein? Explain. 2. Let’s say in the hydrophobic interior of the protein, the group forms an ionic bond with a carboxylate group of the side chain of a charged Asparagine residue. How would the pKa of this alpha amino group compare with the pKa of the alpha amino group in the hydrophobic interior of the protein without a nearby Asparagine residue to form this ionic bond? Explain.
Proteins
We generally tend to think of proteins only from a dietary lens, as a component of what we eat. However, they are among the most important and abundant organic macromolecules in the human body, with diverse structures and functions. Every cell contains thousands and thousands of proteins, each with specific functions. Some help in the formation of cellular membrane or walls, some help the cell to move, others act as messages or signals and flow seamlessly from one cell to another, carrying information.
Protein Expression
The method by which living organisms synthesize proteins and further modify and regulate them is called protein expression. Protein expression plays a significant role in several types of research and is highly utilized in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein research laboratories.
A cytosolic protein has an important alpha amino group. The pKa of this group is approximately 8 when exposed to water outside of a protein.
1. What would happen to the pKa if this group was instead buried in the hydrophobic interior of the protein? Explain.
2. Let’s say in the hydrophobic interior of the protein, the group forms an ionic bond with a carboxylate group of the side chain of a charged Asparagine residue. How would the pKa of this alpha amino group compare with the pKa of the alpha amino group in the hydrophobic interior of the protein without a nearby Asparagine residue to form this ionic bond? Explain.
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