Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques — practice question

A major line of enquiry when studying the structures of polypeptides and proteins is the amino acid sequence that makes up the polypeptide chains.
(a)[4]

One method for finding out which amino acids are present in a polypeptide chain is electrophoresis. Draw and label the apparatus used for electrophoresis.

(b(i))

Which factors decide the direction in which an amino acid travels?

(b(ii))[3]

Which factors determine how fast an amino acid moves?

(c(i))

Hydrogen atoms do not appear in images produced by X-ray crystallography. Explain why this happens.

(c(ii))[3]

Suggest and explain which atom in the cysteine molecule, $\text{H}_2\text{NCH(CH}_2\text{SH)CO}_2\text{H}$, would appear most clearly in X-ray crystallography.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The power supply is labelled.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI