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

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is mRNA produced in the nucleus of a cell?


Can you explain ultrafiltration to me?


What are the three isolation barriers by which speciation can occur?


Glucose is filtered out of the blood, but is not found in urine. Explain why glucose is not present in urine