AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Interactions among the amino acid side chains within a single protein molecule determine the protein’s tertiary structure. Tertiary structure is the most important of the structural levels in determining, for example, the enzymatic activity of a protein.

Detailed explanation-2: -Amino acids and proteins Their tertiary structure gives proteins a very specific shape and is an important feature in the ‘lock and key’ function of enzymes, or receptor sites on cell membranes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Enzymes are mainly globular proteins-protein molecules where the tertiary structure has given the molecule a generally rounded, ball shape (although perhaps a very squashed ball in some cases).

Detailed explanation-4: -The tertiary structure involves four types of bonds being made between secondary alpha helices or beta pleated sheets. These are disulfide bridges, hydrophilic/hydrophobic bonds, ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds. These bonds determine the enzyme’s overall 3D shape, including that of the active site.

Detailed explanation-5: -The tertiary structure of a protein provides the protein with a unique and specific shape through the creation of disulphide bonds. These bonds are formed due to some amino acids containing sulphur. The creation of a specific and unique shape is important in functional proteins such as enzymes.