and Answers.
Into what two groups are proteins usually classified into based on tertiary structure? What are
the general characteristics of those two groups? - Answer Fibrous proteins and globular
proteins; fibrous proteins have a single type of repeating secondary structure and form long,
filamentous strands; globular proteins are compact, complex and often contain many secondary
structure elements
What are the major themes of fibrous protein tertiary structure? - Answer 1. single repeating
secondary structure unit
2. hydrophobic residues predominate in the interior as well as outer surfaces of the protein
3. monomeric protein chain often pack together in complex supramolecular clusters
What is the typical function of fibrous proteins? - Answer provide shape, support and
structure in vertebrates
To what family of structural proteins does alpha-keratin belong? - Answer Intermediate
Filaments (IF)
What is the predominant secondary structure of alpha-keratin? - Answer alpha-helix
Describe the motif found in alpha-keratin. - Answer two alpha-helices that wrap around each
other form a coiled coil motif; the helices are arranged in parallel, with their N-termini at the
same end and the coil itself is twisted to follow a lefthanded path. "supertwisting" provides
great deal of strength
What is the predominant secondary structure of collagen? - Answer helices
Describe the motif found in collagen. - Answer trimeric coiled coil called tropocollagen
What is the predominant secondary structure of silk fibroin? - Answer beta-strands
Describe the motif found in silk fibroin - Answer beta-sheets