Hemoglobin is a protein complex produced by red blood cells which binds oxygen a

Question

Hemoglobin is a protein complex produced by red blood cells which binds oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport in the bloodstream. This protein is made up of four polypeptides, which in adults consists of two alpha-globin and two beta-globin chains.

Sickle cell anemia is a life-threatening disorder caused by a genetic mutation that alters a single amino acid in the beta-globin protein. Due to this mutation, a hydrophilic glutamic acid residue normally present on the outer surface of the protein is replaced by valine, a hydrophobic amino acid. This mutation does not substantially alter the tertiary structure of hemoglobin. Which of the following is a consequence of this mutation?

1.The mutation causes hemoglobin molecules to stick together due to the hydrophobic effect.

2. The mutation prevents the post-translational modification and activation of hemoglobin.

3. The mutation alters the folding of the hydrophobic core of hemoglobin.

Explanation / Answer

The replacement of glutamic acid or hydrophilic amino acid by valine or hydrophobic amino acid causes the following consequence:

1) The mutation causes hemoglobin molecules to stick together due to hydrophobic effect

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