Question

Explain what happens if even one amino acid is substituted for another in a polypeptide chain. Provide a specific example.

Short answer

When one amino acid is changed to another it may lead to the formation of the non-functional protein, which can have a deleterious effect on the body.

Step-by-step solution

Amino acids

Proteins are the polymer which are made by many amino acids joined together via a peptide bond. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is very crucial, if there is a change in the sequence of amino acids, it may lead to the formation of the wrong protein with the wrong structure and non-functional.

Example

For example, the substitution of amino acid valine for glutamate in the sequence of the protein-coding for hemoglobin results in the formation of wrong hemoglobin structure, which gives the sickle shape to the red blood cells, which ultimately clogs the arteries and hence cause the disease called sickle cell anemia.