Question

Salivary amylase is a digestive protein in the saliva. Salivary amylase is structured so that it can only digest starch molecules.

Based on this information, what conclusion can be made about the structure and function of proteins?
A.
Proteins with different structures will always carry out the same function.
B.
The structure of a protein can influence the protein's function.
C.
The structure of a protein is unrelated to the protein's function.
D.
Proteins with the same structure will always carry out different functions.

Answer 1

B. The structure of a protein can influence the protein's function.

Explanation: Salivary amylase has a specific three-dimensional shape (including an active site) that fits starch molecules, allowing it to catalyze their digestion. Different protein structures produce different active sites and therefore different functions (specificity).