/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 28 Proteins vary widely in structur... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 22: Problem 28

Proteins vary widely in structure, whereas nucleic acids have rather uniform structures. How do you account for this major difference?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The major difference is due to the variety in the building blocks of proteins (20 types of amino acids) vs nucleic acids (4 types of nucleotides). The diverse combination and folding of amino acids in proteins lead to varied structures. In contrast, nucleic acids, despite having different nucleotide sequences, maintain a consistent structure.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Proteins

Proteins are made up of 20 different types of amino acids. These amino acids can be arranged in a variety of sequences, leading to a vast array of possible proteins each with its unique structure, function, and properties. Furthermore, the folding of these sequences into complex 3D structures adds another level of variety.
02

Understanding Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids, on the other hand, are composed only of four types of nucleotides: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine (or uracil, in case of RNA). These nucleotides form two types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. The nucleotides in DNA and RNA form sequences, but unlike proteins, the structure of nucleic acids is similar regardless of the sequence. It can exist as a double helix (in the case of DNA) or a single strand (typically for RNA). The structure of nucleic acids is more concerned with the information they carry, rather than their structural diversity.
03

Comparison

So, the diversity in the number and type of building blocks (amino acids) in proteins accounts for their wide variety in structure. On the other hand, the limited types of nucleotides and consistent bonding pattern in nucleic acids result in a more uniform structure.

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 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The amino acid glycine can be condensed to form a polymer called polyglycine. Draw the repeating monomer unit.

In Lewis Carroll's tale "Through the Looking Glass," Alice wonders whether "looking-glass milk" on the other side of the mirror would be fit to drink. Based on your knowledge of chirality and enzyme action, comment on the validity of Alice's concern.

Teflon is formed by a radical addition reaction involving the monomer tetrafluoroethylene. Show the mechanism for this reaction.

Discuss the importance of hydrogen bonding in biological systems. Use proteins and nucleic acids as examples.

Discuss the main functions of proteins in living systems.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.