Explain how a change in the primary structure may result in a non functional enzyme

A change in the primary structure means there has been a change in the amino acid sequence.This may cause different hydrogen bonding to occur, leading to a different secondary structure.This may lead to different folding due to different hydrogen, ionic and disulphide bridge interactions. This may lead to a different tertiary structure, and therefore a different active site shape.Therefore the active site may no longer be complimentary to the substrate meaning that enzyme substrate complexes cannot form. Therefore, the enzyme is not functional.
This is a very common style of A level question which the student should understand how to answer. Underlined are the key words that a mark scheme is looking for.

SS
Answered by Sanskriti S. Biology tutor

10490 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between "brain cells" and "neurons"?


Putting bee honey on a cut kills bacteria. Honey contains a high concentration of sugar. Use your knowledge of water potential to suggest how putting honey on a cut kills bacteria. (AQA BIOL1)


Explain how an action potential is propagated across a synapse in a muscles (3 marks)


Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease affecting the bodies ability to produce insulin. Describe how blood glucose is controlled in the body to a stable level, and how this would be affected in someone with type 1 diabetes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning