QUESTION IMAGE
Question
credit (right) image created by codon learning using pdb entry 2zxe shioda, ogawa et al (2009) crystal structure of the sodium - potassium pump at 2.4a resolution doi.org/10.2210/pdb2zxe/pdb
to interpret the cartoon, note that the artist is drawing the same protein four times, to illustrate how it changes through one pumping cycle. second, notice that the protein has two shapes: one that presents a binding site for sodium to the interior of the cell, and one that presents a binding site for potassium to the exterior of the cell. third, focus on what is going on with atp. when a phosphate group from atp binds to the pump, it switches position. that makes sense - a phosphate ion carries four full negative charges, so it delivers a jolt of electric charge when it binds. later, when the phosphate group falls off, the protein switches back to its original conformation. finally, note that the artist drew little dimples inside the pump. these are meant to represent the binding sites for the sodium and potassium ions.
based on these models you just analyzed and the text description of the sodium - potassium pump, indicate which of the following statements are correct or represent logical predictions.
the binding sites for sodium and potassium ions are defined by r - groups with specific sizes, shapes, and charges or partial charges.
like charges repel and unlike charges attract, so adding or removing 4 full negative charges to one spot on the pump will affect other charged groups in the molecule.
as the pump continues to work, sodium concentrations will decrease outside the cell and potassium concentrations will decrease inside the cell.
\cartoon\ models of molecules or machines can be useful in illustrating how biological processes work.
the \transmembrane\ portion of the pump, which interacts directly with the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids, consists primarily of beta - pleated sheets.
- Protein - ligand binding sites are characterized by R - groups with specific features, so the first statement is correct.
- Charges interact according to the principle of like - repel and unlike - attract, and adding/removing charges affects the molecule, making the second statement correct.
- The sodium - potassium pump pumps sodium out and potassium in, so sodium outside should increase and potassium inside should increase, making the third statement incorrect.
- Cartoon models are indeed useful for illustrating biological processes as they simplify complex mechanisms, making the fourth statement correct.
- The transmembrane portion of the sodium - potassium pump is mainly composed of alpha - helices, not beta - pleated sheets, making the fifth statement incorrect.
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The binding sites for sodium and potassium ions are defined by R - groups with specific sizes, shapes, and charges or partial charges: True
Like charges repel and unlike charges attract, so adding or removing 4 full negative charges to one spot on the pump will affect other charged groups in the molecule: True
As the pump continues to work, sodium concentrations will decrease outside the cell and potassium concentrations will decrease inside the cell: False
"Cartoon" models of molecules or machines can be useful in illustrating how biological processes work: True
The "transmembrane" portion of the pump, which interacts directly with the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids, consists primarily of beta - pleated sheets: False