Question

Where would the leucine side chain most likely be found in a protein dissolved in water? in the interior of the protein in contact with polar side chains on either the interior or the exterior of the protein in the interior of the protein in contact with water on the exterior of the protein in the interior of the protein in contact with nonpolar side chains?

Answer 1

Leucine side chain would most likely be found in the interior of a protein in contact with nonpolar side chains.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distribution of amino acids in a protein dissolved in water reflects the polarity of their side chains. Leucine, being a non-polar amino acid, will most likely be found in the interior of the protein, where it interacts with other nonpolar side chains. This hydrophobic environment is energetically favorable, as leucine side chains can avoid contact with water. Conversely, polar and charged amino acids will typically be found on the surface of a protein, where they can interact with the polar water molecules.

In the context of a protein embedded in a lipid bilayer, such as those in cell membranes, the distribution of amino acids would be different. Here, the surface of the protein that interacts with the fatty acid tails of the lipid bilayer is likely to feature non-polar amino acids, while the regions that interact with the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell will feature polar and charged amino acids.

Answer 2

Answer;

- In the interior of the protein in contact with non-polar side chains

Explanation;

-Amino acids are generally soluble in water and insoluble in non-polar organic solvents such as hydrocarbons. In water, the ionic attractions between the ions in the solid amino acid are replaced by strong attractions between polar water molecules and the zwitterions

-Leucine is a vital amino acid for the protein synthesis and various metabolic functions. It is an essential amino acid, which helps in regulating the blood-sugar levels, promotes the growth and the recovery of muscle and bone tissues, and also the production of the growth hormone.