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Date May 2012 Marks available 1 Reference code 12M.3.SL.TZ2.8
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 2
Command term Define Question number 8 Adapted from N/A

Question

Define quaternary structure in proteins.

[1]
a.

Outline the importance of polar and non-polar amino acids in proteins.

[2]
b.

Describe non-competitive inhibition.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

the linking together of two or more polypeptides to form a protein

a.

polar and non-polar amino acids help determine protein structure;
polar amino acids on the outside of proteins make them soluble in water;
polar amino acids in channels in membranes allow passage of polar substances/ reference to surface proteins or membranes;
polarity or non-polarity of surface amino acids on proteins determines their interaction with other molecules (substrates, hormones, signalling molecules);

b.

inhibitor molecule attaches to enzyme at site away from active site/attaches to allosteric site;
binding of inhibitor molecule alters shape of active site/causes conformational change;
shape change in active site disables enzyme from accepting substrate/reduces enzyme activity/destroys enzyme functionality;
increasing substrate concentration has no effect on the inhibitor;
irreversible;

c.

Examiners report

Most answers were correct.

a.

Very few candidates were able to outline the importance of polar and non-polar amino acids in proteins.

b.

In general candidates did know how noncompetitive inhibitors work.

c.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level » Topic 7: Nucleic acids » 7.3 Translation
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