Chapter 3: Problem 79
Fungal laccase, a blue protein found in wood-rotting fungi, is 0.390\(\% \mathrm{Cu}\) by mass. If a fungal laccase molecule contains four copper atoms, what is the molar mass of fungal laccase?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The molar mass of fungal laccase is approximately \(65303.08\) g/mol.
Step by step solution
01
Determine the mass of the copper atoms in one fungal laccase molecule
We know that there are 4 copper atoms in one fungal laccase molecule. We can use the molar mass of copper from the periodic table, which is 63.55 g/mol. Therefore, the mass of 4 copper atoms is
mass of 4 copper atoms = 4 × 63.55 g/mol
02
Calculate the total mass of the fungal laccase molecule
We know that copper accounts for 0.390% of the total mass of the fungal laccase molecule. First, we will convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing it by 100. Then, we will set up the following equation to find the mass of the fungal laccase molecule (x):
mass of 4 copper atoms = (0.390 ÷ 100) × x
4 × 63.55 = 0.0039x
03
Calculate the molar mass of fungal laccase
Let's solve the equation from Step 2 for x by dividing both sides by 0.0039. x will give us the total molar mass of the fungal laccase molecule.
x = (4 × 63.55) ÷ 0.0039
Now, by calculating the value of x, we get the molar mass of fungal laccase:
Molar mass of fungal laccase ≈ \( (4 \times 63.55) \div 0.0039 \approx 65303.08\) g/mol.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Copper Atoms
Copper atoms are small particles of the element copper that have a significant role in various chemical compounds. In the case of fungal laccase, each molecule contains exactly four copper atoms. This makes copper a crucial component of the fungal laccase's structure.
- The molar mass of a single copper atom is 63.55 g/mol. This value is found on the periodic table and is essential for calculating the mass of copper in larger molecules.
- In our exercise, the presence of four copper atoms in each molecule of fungal laccase means we need to multiply the molar mass by four.
- Thus, the total mass contributed by the copper atoms can be calculated: \[4 \times 63.55 \text{ g/mol} = 254.2 \text{ g/mol}\]
Percentage by Mass
Percentage by mass is a way to express the concentration of a specific element within a compound. It tells you what percentage of the total mass of the compound is due to one particular component.
- In fungal laccase, we know copper contributes 0.390% of the total mass.
- To express the percentage of copper as a decimal, simply divide by 100: \[0.390\% = \frac{0.390}{100} = 0.0039\]
- This conversion is essential for later calculations, such as determining the total molar mass of the compound.
Chemical Formula
A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of the composition of a molecule, showing the types and numbers of atoms present. The formula provides a direct insight into the composition and molecular structure of the compound.
- A fungal laccase molecule includes not only copper atoms but also other atoms and molecules, which are represented by the chemical formula.
- Although the exercise focuses on copper, knowing the chemical formula is crucial for understanding the total makeup of the molecule.
- This formula helps determine the molar mass by adding up the masses of all the atoms present.
Fungal Laccase
Fungal laccase is a fascinating enzyme primarily found in certain fungi that decompose wood. It plays an important role in the breakdown of complex plant materials, assisting in the nutrient cycle.
- This enzyme is characterized by its blue color due to the presence of copper atoms, which is a distinct feature linked to its function.
- The molar mass of fungal laccase, which is calculated at approximately 65,303.08 g/mol, includes contributions from its four copper atoms and other elements that form its complex structure.
- Understanding the composition and molecular weight of fungal laccase is critical not only for academic purposes but also for its applications in biotechnology and environmental science.