Question

What would happen if even one amino acid is substituted for another in a polypeptide? What would be an example?

a. The change will definitely not be sufficient to have any effect on the function and structure of the protein.
b. The amino acid may not show any significant effect the protein structure and function or it may have a significant effect, as in the case of hemoglobin in individuals with sickle cell trait.
c. These changes would increase the possibility of having extra bends and loops in the proteins as in Leber congenital disease.
d. These changes would modify the structures of proteins making them nonfunctional.

Answer 1

Even one amino acid substitution in a polypeptide chain can have varying effects on protein structure and function. For example, in sickle cell anemia, a mutation causes the substitution of glutamic acid with valine in the beta chains of hemoglobin, altering its structure and function.

Step-by-step explanation:

Even one amino acid substitution in a polypeptide chain can have varying effects on protein structure and function. For example, in sickle cell anemia, a mutation causes the substitution of glutamic acid with valine in the beta chains of hemoglobin. This single amino acid change alters the structure of hemoglobin, resulting in the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells and impaired oxygen transportation. So, the effect of the substitution depends on the specific amino acids involved and their role in the protein's structure and function.