Chapter 21, Problem 11A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The representation of the secondary structure of a protein needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Secondary structure of a protein gives the idea whether the protein has beta sheet structure or α-helix structure.

Answer to Problem 11A

Secondary structure of a protein represents the arrangement of the protein molecule in space.

Explanation of Solution

Secondary structure of proteins can be generally two types.

α-helix structure is the representation of protein molecule which is spiral-like structure.

Some of the amino acids are there which imparts turns in the protein structure.

Amino acids like alanine, methionine and leucine prefer to adopt helical conformation.

In beta sheet structure several different protein molecules are joined together.

Conclusion

Amino acids with aromatic residues like phenyl alanine, tyrosine and tryptophan prefer to be in beta sheet structure as the ‘Pi’ electron clouds of the aromatic ring gets stability by ‘Pi-Pi’ stacking.