Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781118918401
Author: Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher: WILEY
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Chapter 21, Problem 1E
Summary Introduction

To explain: The reason why the degradation of protein by proteosomes requires ATP.

Concept introduction:

Proteolysis has the enzymes proteases that catalyze the breakdown of the proteins into smaller amino acids or polypeptides. It is an exergonic process which involves a positive energy flow from the system to the surroundings.

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Explanation:

ATP is the energy currency of the cell which can be renewed. In a cell when catabolism occurs, the energy is released. Ubiquitin functions to target the proteins for the protein degradation by using the proteosomes. This process is catalyzed by utilizing mainly three enzymes- ubiquitin-activating enzymes, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and ubiquitin-protein ligase.

Even though the proteolysis is an exergonic process, the proteosomes requires ATP for the protein degradation by linking to the ubiquitin covalently. This is due to the following reasons:

  • For the first step of protein ubiquitination reactions, ATP is utilized in order to activate the ubiquitin for linking them to the target protein with the help of ubiquitin-activating enzymes. 
  • Also, the ATP is utilized for the protein denaturation as it goes into the proteosomes.

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