Chapter 12, Problem 21Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

How an error in the primary structure of a protein in hemoglobin causes sickle cell anemia has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Amino acids to build proteins:

Amino acids are the basic functional units of proteins. Amino acids form peptide bonds between them and the large numbers of peptides form the protein. So, amino acids are the basic monomeric units of the proteins. Therefore proteins are polymers, especially known as biopolymers formed from the amino acid monomers.

Primary structure of a protein describes the structure of a protein through the sequences of amino acids from which the protein has been formed. So, it can be considered as the first and the most basic identifier of a protein.