In a folded protein, Glu116 is close in three-dimensional space to Lys224. The pKa of the carboxylic acid functional group in the side chain of glutamic acid is 4.3. The pKa of the amino group in the side chain of lysine is 10.5. How do you think the pKa of the side chain of Glu116 will change in the folded protein? a. The pKa will be > 4.3. b. The pKa will be < 4.3. c. The pKa will not change. Use chemical reasoning to justify your answer.
Proteins
We generally tend to think of proteins only from a dietary lens, as a component of what we eat. However, they are among the most important and abundant organic macromolecules in the human body, with diverse structures and functions. Every cell contains thousands and thousands of proteins, each with specific functions. Some help in the formation of cellular membrane or walls, some help the cell to move, others act as messages or signals and flow seamlessly from one cell to another, carrying information.
Protein Expression
The method by which living organisms synthesize proteins and further modify and regulate them is called protein expression. Protein expression plays a significant role in several types of research and is highly utilized in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein research laboratories.
In a folded protein, Glu116 is close in three-dimensional space to Lys224. The pKa of the
carboxylic acid functional group in the side chain of glutamic acid is 4.3. The pKa of the amino
group in the side chain of lysine is 10.5. How do you think the pKa of the side chain of Glu116
will change in the folded protein?
a. The pKa will be > 4.3.
b. The pKa will be < 4.3.
c. The pKa will not change.
Use chemical reasoning to justify your answer.
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