Question

Laboratory techniques for randomly linking together amino acids typically generate an insoluble polypeptide, yet a naturally occurring polypeptide of the same length is usually soluble. Explain.

Short answer

The laboratory cannot create foldable polypeptides as it is only possible naturally.

Step-by-step solution

Concept Introduction

A polypeptide is an unbranched, continuous chain of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. The peptide bond joins the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amine group of the next amino acid to form an amide.

Natural Polypeptide that is Soluble

Naturally occurring polypeptides are optimized to fold properly.However,amino acids that were created in thelaboratory cannot direct coherent folding so the hydrophobic chains are sometimes located outside and aggregate.

Therefore, the soluble polypeptides are only created naturally.