Knowing that there are 20 different possible amino acids that can be used at each position in a polypeptide, calculate the number of different polypeptides that could theoretically be produced for a protein that is 180 amino acids in length

Do you expect to find all of these possible protein sequences produced in living systems? Explain your answer.


There are 20180 possible sequences for a 180 amino acid polypeptide (20 different possible amino acids for each position). No, we would not expect all of the theoretically possible proteins to be made. A much smaller subset can be expected in living systems because it is not likely that all sequences would lead to a stably folded protein. Natural selection favors the retention of genes that encode proteins with stable conformations.

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

The steroid hormone ADH causes the reabsorption of water in the kidney by increasing the number of

aquaporin3 water channels in the plasma membrane of the collecting ducts

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Biology & Microbiology

Which type of body tissue acts as padding under the skin?

A) nervous B) muscle C) epithelial D) connective

Biology & Microbiology

What is the purpose of sex pili?

a. To transmit DNA between bacteria b. To transmit RNA between bacteria c. To transmit enzymes between bacteria d. To transmit chemical signals between bacteria e. To transmit zygotes or sperm between bacteria

Biology & Microbiology

Interferons and immunoenhancers

A) are widely used to treat viruses B) cause no side effects C) include levamisole and inosiplex D) have been thoroughly researched

Biology & Microbiology