Biochemistry—Protein Structure and Function Which of the following statements about common protein examples is INCORRECT? (Assume standard textbook definitions for Protein G, fatty-acid binding protein, and hemoglobin.)

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Protein G contains only α-helix and no β-sheet.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Proteins exhibit hierarchical structure (primary to quaternary) and recurring secondary motifs like α-helices and β-sheets. This question checks factual knowledge of well-characterized proteins: Protein G, fatty acid binding protein (FABP), and hemoglobin, and asks you to spot the single incorrect statement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Protein G (GB1 domain) is a small fold that includes both α-helix and β-strands.
  • FABPs are classic β-barrel proteins, dominated by β-sheets.
  • Hemoglobin is a tetramer (α2β2 in adult humans).


Concept / Approach:
The strategy is to recall hallmark structural facts: (1) GB1 fold is βαβββ, not all-helix; (2) FABP is β-rich; (3) hemoglobin has four subunits and binds oxygen cooperatively via heme groups.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Evaluate the FABP claim. FABP forms a β-barrel; thus “largely β-sheet” is correct.Step 2: Evaluate the hemoglobin claim. Adult Hb (HbA) contains four subunits; this is correct.Step 3: Evaluate the Protein G claims. Protein G (GB1) has one α-helix plus several β-strands; therefore the statement “only α-helix” is false, while “contains both α-helix and β-sheet” is true.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard structural biology references and PDB entries for GB1, FABP, and Hb reinforce these canonical facts about their folds and quaternary states.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • FABP largely β-sheet: correct description of a β-barrel fatty-acid binder.
  • Hemoglobin tetramer: correct for adult human hemoglobin.
  • Protein G has both α and β: correct for GB1 fold.
  • “All of the above are correct”: not true because one statement is incorrect.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “only α-helix” motifs with mixed βα folds; assuming FABP is α-helical because many membrane proteins are helical (FABP is soluble and β-rich).


Final Answer:
Protein G contains only α-helix and no β-sheet.

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