Give an example of the relationship between structure and function?

Answer 1

One example of the relationship between structure and function is found in enzymes as their function is dependent upon its structure. Enzymes are catalytic proteins that speed up a reaction without being consumed. Their protein structure enables them to recognize their substrates, even among isomers, thus allowing them to catalyze very specific reactions. The interactions between a protein's primary structure, its amino acid sequence, determine its secondary structure of hydrogen bonded alpha and beta pleated sheets. The side chains of the amino acids help determine the next superimposed structure, the tertiary structure and the quaternary structure if the protein has one. A protein's conformation enables it to form an active site whose shape is compatible with that of the substrate. Once the substrate enters the active site, the enzyme's structure is altered as induced fit moves the active site's chemical groups into positions that enhance their ability to catalyze the chemical reaction, thus improving the enzyme's function. An enzyme's structure is so closely correlated to its function that even a slight change in a protein's primary structure can affect its conformation and ability to function. For example, although noncompetitive inhibitors bind to the enzyme away from its active site, they alter the enzyme's conformation so that the active site no longer has the right structure to bind with the substrates, preventing it from functioning correctly.