Amino acids are named after two of their functional groups: the amino group (NH2), which acts like a base, and the carboxyl group (COOH), which acts like an acid. Amino acids also contain a third functional group, often called the R group. In alanine, the R group is a methyl group (CH3). In serine, the R group is a methyl alcohol (–CH2OH).

Question

nar003-1.jpg
What would happen to a protein if Alanine was switched out with Serine?

Responses

The resulting protein would likely NOT change because proteins can be built in different orders.
The resulting protein would likely NOT change because proteins can be built in different orders.

The resulting protein would likely change because proteins are built in a very specific order

Answer 1

The resulting protein would likely change because proteins are built in a very specific order.

Switching alanine (which has a non-polar, hydrophobic side chain) with serine (which has a polar, hydrophilic side chain) can affect the protein's structure and function. Amino acids influence the folding, stability, and interaction of proteins, so even a single change can have significant effects on the protein's overall properties and activity.