Question

Glycine and Alanine can form how many sequence (primary structure) of Tripepetides? (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 4

Short answer

The total number of possible sequences (primary structure) of tripeptides that can be formed using Glycine (G) and Alanine (A) is 8.

Step-by-step solution

A tripeptide is a chain of three amino acids connected by peptide bonds. In this case, we have two amino acids, Glycine (G) and Alanine (A), which can be combined to form tripeptides. #Step 2: Determine Possible Combinations#

To determine the number of possible sequences, we need to find all the combinations of Glycine (G) and Alanine (A) in a chain of three amino acids (tripeptides). We can represent each position in the chain as a slot, and we have 2 choices (G or A) for each slot. #Step 3: Calculate Total Number of Sequences#

Since we have 2 choices (G or A) for each of the 3 slots, we can multiply the number of choices for each slot to find the total number of possible sequences. This can be represented mathematically as: Total number of sequences = \(2 \times 2 \times 2\) Total number of sequences = \(2^3\) Total number of sequences = 8 #Step 4: Select the Correct Answer#

From our calculation, we have determined that there are 8 possible sequences of tripeptides that can be formed using Glycine (G) and Alanine (A). So, the correct answer is: (C) 8

Key concepts

Primary Structure of Proteins

The primary structure of proteins refers to the unique sequence of amino acids that are linked together by peptide bonds to form a protein molecule. This linear sequence dictates the protein's properties and its eventual three-dimensional shape. Essential to understanding tripeptide formation is recognizing that this structure is determined by the specific order in which amino acids combine. In the exercise, the focus is on two amino acids, Glycine (G) and Alanine (A), and their potential to create different tripeptides.

When students encounter such exercises, knowing that proteins are like words made up of alphabetical letters, where amino acids represent the letters, can help visualize the concept. Tripeptides, being short chains of these 'letters,' show a glimpse of how even a small change in sequence can have a profound effect on protein structure and function. In our exercise, the task was to find the number of unique three-letter 'words' you can create with Glycine and Alanine. This approach underscores the significance of primary structure in protein biology.

Peptide Bonds

Peptide bonds are the chemical links between amino acids in a protein chain. Understanding peptide bonds is crucial when discussing protein structure, particularly when solving an exercise about tripeptide formation. A peptide bond is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water in the process.

These bonds are the backbone of the primary structure of proteins. They are strong, covalent bonds that require a considerable amount of energy to break, which reinforces the stability of proteins. In the context of tripeptides, each peptide bond connects one amino acid to another, creating a chain of three amino acids. For students, visualizing these bonds as the 'glue' that holds the letters together in a very specific order is fundamental to grasping how the primary structure forms and how different combinations can arise from a simple tripeptide model.

Amino Acids Combination

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and combining them in different sequences results in an immense variety of proteins. In the exercise, we deal with a simple combination of just two amino acids to form a tripeptide. To understand how these combinations work, picture each amino acid as a distinct bead and the tripeptide as a string of three beads. Each position on the string can hold any bead (amino acid), and the order in which you place them matters.

By changing the order, you change the properties of the resulting peptide chain. If two amino acids are available as in our exercise, the possible combinations for each position multiply, creating numerous unique sequences for longer chains. This concept reinforces the diversity and complexity of protein molecules. By mastering this concept, students will learn an essential aspect of biochemistry, how the vast diversity of life can emerge from simple rules of combination.