As you know, the fibrous protein collagen consists of a triple helix. Each helix

Question

As you know, the fibrous protein collagen consists of a triple helix. Each helix is a separate polypeptide chain and normally each helix is warapped around the other two. Although there are a variety of different vertebrae collagnes, the collagens found in reptiles and bird are very similar. Each polypeptide chain (i.e, each helix) consists of 976 amino acids. How many coils are there in a single polypeptide chain (one helix) of these vertebrate collagens? (Assume the alpha-helix of collagen is typical in its dimensions.)

Explanation / Answer

Technically, an alpha helix contains nearly 3.6 amino acids per turn and there is 1.5 angstrom rise per amino acid of addition in the alpha helix. thus, 976 amino acids will make up a total of 976/3.6 turns or coils.

Thus, number of turns a polypeptide with 976 amino aicd will turn to make 271 turns. As one turn is nearly 15 angstrom in height, this polypeptide will be nearly 18.1 angstrom in height.

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