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Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
Chapter 9, Problem 1

Some proteins are composed of two or more polypeptides. Suppose the DNA template strand sequence 3′-TACGTAGGCTAACGGAGTAAGCTAACT-5′ produces a polypeptide that joins in pairs to form a functional protein.

What term is used to identify a functional protein like this one formed when two identical polypeptides join together?

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1
Identify the type of protein structure involved when two or more polypeptides join together.
Recall that proteins can have four levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.
Understand that quaternary structure refers to the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains into a functional protein.
Recognize that when two identical polypeptides join to form a functional protein, this is a specific type of quaternary structure.
The term used to describe a functional protein formed by two identical polypeptides is 'homodimer.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polypeptide

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which are formed during the process of translation in protein synthesis. Polypeptides fold into specific three-dimensional structures to become functional proteins. The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide is determined by the corresponding mRNA, which is transcribed from DNA.
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Dimer

A dimer is a type of protein complex formed when two identical polypeptides (monomers) join together. This interaction can occur through various types of bonding, such as hydrogen bonds or disulfide bridges, and is crucial for the protein's functionality. Dimers can exhibit unique properties that differ from those of individual polypeptides.
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Protein Structure

Protein structure refers to the specific arrangement of amino acids in a protein, which determines its function. Proteins have four levels of structure: primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (local folding patterns), tertiary (overall 3D shape), and quaternary (assembly of multiple polypeptides). Understanding these structures is essential for grasping how proteins interact and function in biological systems.
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