In site-directed mutagenesis experiments of an enzyme, scientists altered an aspartate residue to glutamate, lysine, phenylalanine, or valine. Which Glutamate Lysine Phenylalanine Valine

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Question
Which substitution is expected to have the least effect on enzymatic activity?
### Question on Site-Directed Mutagenesis

**Description:**
In site-directed mutagenesis experiments of an enzyme, scientists altered an aspartate residue to glutamate, lysine, phenylalanine, or valine. Which substitution would most likely disrupt the function of the enzyme?

**Options:**
- ☐ Glutamate
- ☐ Lysine
- ☐ Phenylalanine
- ☐ Valine

**Explanation:**
Site-directed mutagenesis is a molecular biology method that is used to make specific and intentional changes to the DNA sequence of a gene and its protein product. In the context of this question, scientists altered a specific amino acid residue, aspartate, to see which changes would most likely disrupt the enzyme's function.

**Amino Acid Substitutions:**
- **Glutamate**: Similar to aspartate, both are negatively charged at physiological pH.
- **Lysine**: Positively charged at physiological pH, significantly different in charge from aspartate.
- **Phenylalanine**: Nonpolar and neutral, structurally different as well.
- **Valine**: Nonpolar and neutral, smaller side chain compared to aspartate.

By understanding the properties of each amino acid, one can predict which substitutions might disrupt enzyme function due to changes in charge, size, or hydrophobicity.

### Educational Focus:
This question is aimed at teaching students about the impact of amino acid substitutions on protein function, specifically emphasizing the importance of properties such as charge, size, and polarity in maintaining enzyme functionality.
Transcribed Image Text:### Question on Site-Directed Mutagenesis **Description:** In site-directed mutagenesis experiments of an enzyme, scientists altered an aspartate residue to glutamate, lysine, phenylalanine, or valine. Which substitution would most likely disrupt the function of the enzyme? **Options:** - ☐ Glutamate - ☐ Lysine - ☐ Phenylalanine - ☐ Valine **Explanation:** Site-directed mutagenesis is a molecular biology method that is used to make specific and intentional changes to the DNA sequence of a gene and its protein product. In the context of this question, scientists altered a specific amino acid residue, aspartate, to see which changes would most likely disrupt the enzyme's function. **Amino Acid Substitutions:** - **Glutamate**: Similar to aspartate, both are negatively charged at physiological pH. - **Lysine**: Positively charged at physiological pH, significantly different in charge from aspartate. - **Phenylalanine**: Nonpolar and neutral, structurally different as well. - **Valine**: Nonpolar and neutral, smaller side chain compared to aspartate. By understanding the properties of each amino acid, one can predict which substitutions might disrupt enzyme function due to changes in charge, size, or hydrophobicity. ### Educational Focus: This question is aimed at teaching students about the impact of amino acid substitutions on protein function, specifically emphasizing the importance of properties such as charge, size, and polarity in maintaining enzyme functionality.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Metabolic diseases
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON