Final answer:
To determine the number of turns in an alpha helix protein sequence (Leu-Lys-Arg-Ile-Val-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Leu-Phe-Lys-Val), we divide the total number of amino acids by the average number of residues per turn (3.6) giving us approximately 3.89 turns. However, since a helix can only have whole turns, this helix makes 3 full turns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the number of turns made by an alpha helix with a specific protein sequence. According to the structural properties of an alpha helix, it consists of 3.6 amino acid residues per turn. Given the provided protein sequence: Leu-Lys-Arg-Ile-Val-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Leu-Phe-Lys-Val, which contains 14 amino acids, we can determine the number of turns this helix makes by dividing the number of amino acids by the number of residues per turn.
To calculate this, we use the formula:
Number of turns = Total number of amino acids / Amino acids per turn
Number of turns = 14 / 3.6 ≈ 3.89
Since a helix cannot have a fraction of a turn, we round down to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the helix makes approximately 3 full turns.