Question

What technique can be used to identify a protein's function?

a) Functional protein microarray
b) Antibody microarray
c) DNA microarray
d) RNA microarray

Answer 1

A

Step-by-step explanation:

Functional protein microarrays (also known as target protein arrays) are constructed by immobilising large numbers of purified proteins and are used to identify protein–protein, protein–DNA, protein–RNA, protein–phospholipid, and protein–small-molecule interactions, to assay enzymatic activity and to detect antibodies

Answer 2

To identify a protein's function, the use of a functional protein microarray is the correct technique. This method allows researchers to analyze protein activities and interactions, differing from DNA and RNA microarrays which focus on genetic information.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify a protein's function, a functional protein microarray can be used. This technique leverages a vast number of different proteins that are immobilized on a surface, like a chip, to study various aspects of protein function including their activity, binding properties, and interactions with other proteins, DNA, or small molecules. This is distinct from other types of microarrays such as DNA microarrays and RNA microarrays, which are used primarily for examining gene expression levels or genetic variations, and are not directly used for analyzing protein function.

In functional protein microarray analysis, researchers can directly measure the interactions and activities of proteins, which is crucial for proteomic analysis. It is a powerful method not only for elucidating the biological roles of proteins but also for identifying potential therapeutic targets and for studying the biochemical networks within a cell. Other techniques such as mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are also foundational in protein analysis, providing a detailed understanding of a protein's characteristics and three-dimensional structure to infer its function.