Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Protein synthesis

Protein synthesis — practice question

HIV protease is an enzyme made up of two identical polypeptide chains. Each polypeptide chain contains 99 amino acids. While translation is taking place, the amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to produce the polypeptide chain.
(a)[4]

Describe how a polypeptide of HIV protease is made by the process of translation.

(b)[3]

The synthesised polypeptide has primary protein structure and may develop tertiary protein structure after translation. There are more bond types in the tertiary structure. Compare the peptide bond formed during translation with the types of bond made during tertiary structure formation.

(c(i))[3]

The flap region of HIV protease is flexible. Using Fig. 3.1, suggest and explain how the action mechanism of HIV protease can be described as an induced fit.

(c(ii))[2]

Indinavir is one of the therapeutic drugs used in HIV anti-retroviral therapy (ART). It resembles the polypeptide substrate of HIV protease. Suggest and explain how indinavir acts as a therapeutic drug.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: mRNA binds to the ribosome

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