A Biologist Determined the Amounts of Several Amino Acids in Two

question 32

Multiple Choice

A biologist determined the amounts of several amino acids in two separate samples of pure protein. His data stated that Protein A possessed: 7% leucine, 12% alanine, 4% histidine, 2% cysteine, and 5% glycine. Interestingly, Protein B had the same percentages of each of the same amino acids. He concluded, from this data, that Proteins A and B are the same protein. Based on this information and his conclusion, determine which of the following is the correct statement regarding his findings:

• A) He is correct-they have the same percentages of each amino acid, so they are identical protein molecules.
• B) He is incorrect-while they may possess the same percentages of each amino acid, his findings say nothing about the order in which the amino acids are put together. The order will dictate the overall structure of the protein, so the two could be very different in shape-even though the amino acid totals are the same.
• C) He is correct-order of the amino acids is irrelevant. It's only the total number of each molecule that is important to structure.
• D) He is incorrect-he hasn't accounted at all for the effects of pH on the composition of the protein and its effects on the individual amino acids.

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Definitions:

Infeasible Levels

Conditions or scenarios that cannot be achieved or realized due to practical or theoretical constraints.

Efficient

Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense, often in the context of economic resource allocation.

Economy

The system by which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed within a society or geographic area.

Inefficient

The condition where resources are not used in the best possible way, often leading to waste and loss of potential gain.