RNase Q is an enzyme that has identical activity to RNase A, but is found only in a group of humans who are unusually susceptible to highly implausible conspiracy theories. The sequence of RNase Q differs from RNase A in that all 8 Cys residues are substituted with Ala. However, the three-dimensional structure of RNase Q is the same as that of RNase A, and the enzymatic activity is the same. If RNase Q is unfolded in the presence of a high concentration of urea, all of the secondary and tertiary structure is disrupted, and it can no longer catalyze the destruction of RNA. If you then slowly remove the urea, RNase Q can refold, and 100% of its activity returns. (a) Based on these experimental observations, can you conclude that the amino acid sequence of RNase Q dictates one unique three-dimensional fold of the protein? Why or why not?
RNase Q is an enzyme that has identical activity to RNase A, but is found only in a group of humans who are unusually susceptible to highly implausible conspiracy theories. The sequence of RNase Q differs from RNase A in that all 8 Cys residues are substituted with Ala. However, the three-dimensional structure of RNase Q is the same as that of RNase A, and the enzymatic activity is the same. If RNase Q is unfolded in the presence of a high concentration of urea, all of the secondary and tertiary structure is disrupted, and it can no longer catalyze the destruction of RNA. If you then slowly remove the urea, RNase Q can refold, and 100% of its activity returns. (a) Based on these experimental observations, can you conclude that the amino acid sequence of RNase Q dictates one unique three-dimensional fold of the protein? Why or why not?
Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
Related questions
Question
100%
Answer a and b

Transcribed Image Text:RNase Q is an enzyme that has identical activity to RNase A, but is found only in a group of humans who
are unusually susceptible to highly implausible conspiracy theories. The sequence of RNase Q differs
from RNase A in that all 8 Cys residues are substituted with Ala. However, the three-dimensional
structure of RNase Q is the same as that of RNase A, and the enzymatic activity is the same.
If RNase Q is unfolded in the presence of a high concentration of urea, all of the secondary and tertiary
structure is disrupted, and it can no longer catalyze the destruction of RNA. If you then slowly remove
the urea, RNase Q can refold, and 100% of its activity returns.
(a) Based on these experimental observations, can you conclude that the amino acid sequence of RNase
Q dictates one unique three-dimensional fold of the protein? Why or why not?
(b) Can you also conclude that this one unique three-dimensional fold of the protein is required for
catalytic activity? Why or why not?
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps with 1 images

Recommended textbooks for you

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON