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1) Which of the following statements is consistent with the structure of the Kcs

ID: 1058497 • Letter: 1

Question

1) Which of the following statements is consistent with the structure of the KcsA K+ channel?

a) This protein is a homotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic.

b) This protein is a homotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic at the openings and hydrophobic in the middle.

c) This protein is a heterotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic.

d) This protein is a heterotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic at the openings and hydrophobic in the middle.

2) In this structure, the K+ ions are partly stabilized by several ______ that point toward and _____ the cations.

a)backbone carbonyl oxygens; donate electron density to

b) side chains; donate electron density to

c)backbone carbonyl oxygens; accept electron density from

d) side chains; accept electron density from

3)As described in Chapter 10, the amino acid residues that help to selectively transport K+ are known as the “signature sequence” and are common to K+ channels; what are these amino acids and where are they in the primary structure of Chain A in 1BL8?

a) VGYGD; residues 76–80

b) TVGYG; residues 75–79

c) TTVG; residues 74–77

d) TATTVG; residues 72–77

4) As implied in Chapter 10, what role does Asp 80 from each subunit play in the transport of K+?

a) These residues assist in attracting positive ions.

b) These residues coordinate K+ and stabilize the protein-bound state of K+.

c) These residues assist in removing the hydration shell surrounding the K+ ion.

d) Each of these factors is involved in the transport of K+.

5) As explained in Chapter 10 and indicated by the stoichiometry shown in 1BL8, what promotes the flow of K+ into the channel during the initial stages of the transport and what prevents the K+ from getting stuck in the carbonyl-rich region?

a) K+ ions are forced into the channel due to the hydrophobic nature of the central region of the channel.

b) As indicated by the structural analysis, the protein undergoes a conformational change that promotes the flow of K+.

c) The interactions between K+ ions and the backbone carbonyls are not stabilizing.

d) K+ ions are essentially forced into the channel by electrostatic repulsions resulting from the binding of additional K+ ions.

6) During the transport of K+, what prevents the K+ from remaining bound within the protein channel?

a) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the hydrophobic nature of the central region of the channel.

b) As indicated by the structural analysis, the protein undergoes a conformational change that ultimately releases the K+.

c) The interactions between K+ ions and the backbone carbonyls are not stabilizing.

d) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the entry of additional ions into the channel.

7) What promotes the exit of K+ from the channel?

a) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the hydrophobic residues located at the exit of the channel.

b) As indicated by the structural analysis, the protein undergoes a conformational change that ultimately releases the K+.

c) The interactions between K+ ions and the polar residues at the channel’s exit and the lower concentration of K+ on the exiting side of the channel assist in the exit of K+.

d) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the entry of additional ions into the channel.

Explanation / Answer

Answers:

1) Which of the following statements is consistent with the structure of the KcsA K+ channel?

b) This protein is a homotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic at the openings and hydrophobic in the middle.

d) This protein is a heterotetramer composed of hydrophobic alpha helices that form a central channel that is hydrophilic at the openings and hydrophobic in the middle.

2) In this structure, the K+ ions are partly stabilized by several ______ that point toward and _____ the cations.

a)backbone carbonyl oxygens; donate electron density to

3)As described in Chapter 10, the amino acid residues that help to selectively transport K+ are known as the “signature sequence” and are common to K+ channels; what are these amino acids and where are they in the primary structure of Chain A in 1BL8?

b) TVGYG; residues 75–79

4) As implied in Chapter 10, what role does Asp 80 from each subunit play in the transport of K+?

b) These residues coordinate K+ and stabilize the protein-bound state of K+.

5) As explained in Chapter 10 and indicated by the stoichiometry shown in 1BL8, what promotes the flow of K+ into the channel during the initial stages of the transport and what prevents the K+ from getting stuck in the carbonyl-rich region?

d) K+ ions are essentially forced into the channel by electrostatic repulsions resulting from the binding of additional K+ ions.

6) During the transport of K+, what prevents the K+ from remaining bound within the protein channel?

a) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the hydrophobic nature of the central region of the channel.

7) What promotes the exit of K+ from the channel?

a) K+ ions are essentially forced out due to the hydrophobic residues located at the exit of the channel.