Peptides and small proteins fold spontaneously in aqueous solution at room temperature. Thus, for a small protein in water, we can say ΔG FOLD < 0. Denoting the unfolded protein as Unf and the folded protein as Fld, we can write the following equation: Unf(aq)--DELTA G FOLD----> Fld(aq) Considering the transition from the unfolded state (in which there are many possible conformations) to the folded state (only one conformation), there is clearly a decrease in the entropy of the protein. However, protein folding is (correctly) described as an entropically driven process.
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
Peptides and small proteins fold spontaneously in aqueous solution at room
temperature. Thus, for a small protein in water, we can say ΔG FOLD < 0. Denoting the
unfolded protein as Unf and the folded protein as Fld, we can write the following equation:
Unf(aq)--DELTA G FOLD----> Fld(aq)
Considering the transition from the unfolded state (in which there are many possible
conformations) to the folded state (only one conformation), there is clearly a decrease in the
entropy of the protein. However, protein folding is (correctly) described as an entropically
driven process.
a) Resolve this apparent paradox by identifying the enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (−TΔS)
components involved in protein folding and commenting on their relative magnitudes.
b) If the protein has 125 residues, and we assume that each residue has 7 equally probable
low-energy conformations, what is Δfold S(Unf → Fld) expressed as molar entropy?
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