Question

4. Give two reasons why a protein with the correct amino acid sequence might not be functional.

Answer 1

There are several reasons why a protein with the correct amino acid sequence might not be functional.

Step-by-step explanation:

Here are two possible reasons:

1. Misfolding: Proteins need to adopt a specific three-dimensional structure to carry out their function. If a protein fails to fold into its correct native conformation, it may become non-functional. Misfolding can occur due to various factors, such as errors during protein synthesis, mutations, environmental conditions, or improper post-translational modifications. Misfolded proteins may be unstable, unable to interact with other molecules correctly, or prone to aggregation, leading to loss of function.
2. Lack of Proper Co-factors: Some proteins require specific non-protein molecules, known as co-factors or prosthetic groups, to function correctly. Co-factors can be metal ions, vitamins, or other small organic molecules. Without the presence of the necessary co-factor, a protein may not be able to carry out its intended function. The absence or deficiency of co-factors can result in impaired enzyme activity, disrupted protein-protein interactions, or inability to bind to specific substrates, leading to non-functionality.

Answer 2

There are several reasons why a protein with the correct amino acid sequence might not be functional . Here are two possible reasons:

Protein folding: In order to function properly, many proteins need to fold into a specific conformation or shape. Even if a protein has the correct sequence of amino acids, it may not fold correctly on its own. To fold properly, proteins often require the assistance of chaperone molecules or other proteins. If a protein fails to fold correctly, it may be vulnerable to degradation or aggregation, which can lead to disease. In other cases, a protein may fold into the correct shape but then undergo changes in conformation later on due to certain environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature or pH, that can lead to loss of function.

Post-translational modifications: After a protein is synthesized, it can undergo various modifications that can affect its function. For example, many proteins require specific molecules to be added to them, such as lipids or sugars, in order to become active or to localize to specific parts of the cell. In other cases, proteins may need to be cleaved into smaller fragments in order to become active or to be transported to specific cellular compartments. Any error during these processes can lead to a protein that is non-functional or with a different function than what was intended.

Step-by-step explanation: