Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Page 1 of 14 Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf
Module 4: Protein structure/function
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, student will be able to
76. Describe specific examples of how protein structure relates to protein function by describing
the structural features (and function) of proteins such as collagen, keratin, myoglobin, and
hemoglobin.
77. Define and interpret association (Ka) and dissociation (Kd) constants.
78. Describe the O2 binding curves for both myoglobin and hemoglobin and how they relate to the
specific functions of those proteins.
79. Memorize the specific roles of amino acids in the structure of myoglobin/hemoglobin (HisE7,
HisF8, PheCD1, ValE11, salt bridges.
80. Interpret a value for the Hill coefficient.
81. Describe positive and negative cooperativity.
82. Describe the characteristics of the T and R states of hemoglobin and determine how certain
variables (H+, CO2, 2,3-BPG) cause a shift in the equilibrium between T and R states.
83. Define the terms allosteric protein, homotropic modulator, heterotropic modulator.
84. Describe the effect of H+, CO2 and 2,3-BPG on the O2 binding curve for hemoglobin.
85. Describe in detail the Bohr effect.
86. Describe the structural, functional, and physiological characteristics of a person with sickle-
cell anemia.
87. Explain how a person with sickle cell trait has an adaptive advantage against malaria.
88. Make predictions about the effects of certain hemoglobin mutations on the structure and
function of hemoglobin.
69
Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf 2026/2027
, Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Page 2 of 14 Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf
A major theme of the study of biomolecules is the relationship between structure and function.
Here are some interesting examples of the relationship between the structure of a protein and its
function.
Fibrous proteins are highly elongated molecules with shapes that are dominated by 2º
structures; they are insoluble in water.
Collagen
• A fibrous protein found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the body’s various connective
tissues
• Connective tissue supports/separates/connects different types of tissues; examples:
tendons, cartilage, soft tissue around bones, teeth, skin and blood vessels
• Most abundant protein in mammals (25-35% of protein mass)
• Many genes code for the 3 chains that can form collagen so there are many variants of
collagen
• What is its function? Provide tissues with form and strength
70
Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf 2026/2027
Module 4: Protein structure/function
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, student will be able to
76. Describe specific examples of how protein structure relates to protein function by describing
the structural features (and function) of proteins such as collagen, keratin, myoglobin, and
hemoglobin.
77. Define and interpret association (Ka) and dissociation (Kd) constants.
78. Describe the O2 binding curves for both myoglobin and hemoglobin and how they relate to the
specific functions of those proteins.
79. Memorize the specific roles of amino acids in the structure of myoglobin/hemoglobin (HisE7,
HisF8, PheCD1, ValE11, salt bridges.
80. Interpret a value for the Hill coefficient.
81. Describe positive and negative cooperativity.
82. Describe the characteristics of the T and R states of hemoglobin and determine how certain
variables (H+, CO2, 2,3-BPG) cause a shift in the equilibrium between T and R states.
83. Define the terms allosteric protein, homotropic modulator, heterotropic modulator.
84. Describe the effect of H+, CO2 and 2,3-BPG on the O2 binding curve for hemoglobin.
85. Describe in detail the Bohr effect.
86. Describe the structural, functional, and physiological characteristics of a person with sickle-
cell anemia.
87. Explain how a person with sickle cell trait has an adaptive advantage against malaria.
88. Make predictions about the effects of certain hemoglobin mutations on the structure and
function of hemoglobin.
69
Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf 2026/2027
, Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Page 2 of 14 Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf
A major theme of the study of biomolecules is the relationship between structure and function.
Here are some interesting examples of the relationship between the structure of a protein and its
function.
Fibrous proteins are highly elongated molecules with shapes that are dominated by 2º
structures; they are insoluble in water.
Collagen
• A fibrous protein found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the body’s various connective
tissues
• Connective tissue supports/separates/connects different types of tissues; examples:
tendons, cartilage, soft tissue around bones, teeth, skin and blood vessels
• Most abundant protein in mammals (25-35% of protein mass)
• Many genes code for the 3 chains that can form collagen so there are many variants of
collagen
• What is its function? Provide tissues with form and strength
70
Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf Module 4 Protein structure function.pdf 2026/2027
