Question

Sickle cell anemia is a condition in which red blood cells exhibit a characteristic "sickle" shape. This arises from a mutation or change in one of the amino acids found in hemoglobin. A single amino acid mutation would directly affect a protein's _______ structure.

a. Primary
b. Secondary
c. Tertiary
d. Quaternary

Answer 1

A single amino acid mutation in hemoglobin causing sickle cell anemia directly affects the protein's primary structure, which is the unique sequence and arrangement of amino acids in a protein.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sickle cell anemia is a condition caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin protein. This mutation changes the shape of the red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and resulting in impaired blood flow and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. This mutation affects just one amino acid in the hemoglobin protein, leading to far-reaching consequences for the individual's health. Specifically, in the context of protein structure, a single amino acid mutation would directly affect a protein's primary structure. This primary structure is the unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide and is dictated by the genetic code. Sickle cell anemia exemplifies how a single amino acid substitution can alter a protein's geometry and, subsequently, its function.