Problem of the Day 2 |
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Problem:
1. Draw the structure of the protein segment –R–I–L–K–E–
2. Is this likely or unlikely to form part of an α-helix?
Answer:
1.
2. The best argument against this being part of an α-helix is that two positively-charged side chains (R and K) would be relatively close to each other. On the other hand, a negatively charged side chain (E) would also be close to R. Since both R and K are long enough to avoid each other, their interaction isn't likely to destabilize an α-helix.
Please note, this is intended to be part of a protein, not the entire segment.