You are examining the lipid-interaction characteristics of a particularly hydrophobic protein. Mutational studies with this protein have been designed to examine these lipid interaction properties. Addition of which of the following amino acids to the protein would most likely be expected to interfere with the lipid-interaction properties?
A) aspartate
B) glycine
C) isoleucine
D) leucine
E) valine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aspartate is a polar, negatively charged amino acid, which would disrupt the hydrophobic interactions between the protein and lipids.  Lipids would most likely interact with equally hydrophobic substances. Aspartic acid is an acidic amino acid and as such would be more likely to interact with an aqueous environment than a hydrophobic lipid one.

You Are Examining the Lipid-Interaction Characteristics of a Particularly Hydrophobic