A (fake) key membrane protein responsible for genetically high IQs, RCB2016, is

Question

A (fake) key membrane protein responsible for genetically high IQs, RCB2016, is characterized by x?ray crystallography and is found to have 3 domains that each contain a high percentage of alpha helices. Scientists interpret that this is an ion channel membrane protein that allows for enhanced transport of neurotransmitters across cell membranes. In the mutant form inherited by RCB’s daughter, BLB, there are three mutations where ALA->GLY in one helix, ALA->VAL in the second helix and ALA->PRO in the third helix. Would you expect that this protein would have the same activity, enhanced activity or lower activity? Justify your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Due to the mutations, there is a chance for steric hindrance which is caused by the change in amino acid. The three amino acid that are exchanged are responsible for causing the mutation and this might lead to change in the sequence depending on how impactful it is on the reading frame, Hence, due to the mutation there is a higher chance that activity is reduced. It might end up lowering the activity and hence slowing the movement of the ions through the membrane.

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