Question

2. (6 points) A wild-type protein was tested for its ability to fold under several concentrations of denaturant. Two mutants of this protein were made by making a one residue substitution and then also tested under similar conditions as the wild-type. Given the two curves below, interpret how the changed residue in mutant 1 and mutant 2 affect the protein folding nucleus. Assume Kapp is measured in s-1 Wt Muut in Kapp in Kapp [denaturant [denaturant]

Answer 1

Answer :

The two curves show the wild protein with constant denaturation.

Mutant 1 protein is early getting denatured as compared to Mutant 2, with concentration of denaturant.

Also Mutant 1 completes its denaturation earlier than Mutant 2, with increasing concentration of denaturant.

All curves show similar attitude with a down fall earlier and after reaching a bare minimum, it rises slowly and reaches peak.

Of all 3, wild protein shows maximum resistance to denaturation.

The lowest point of curve is also for wild variant.

So to conclude among mutants, second one is more resistant and it is resistant completely to denaturation upto a certain concentration of denaturant.