One-letter amino-acid code — The peptide abbreviation “WYQN” corresponds to which sequence of amino-acid names in order from N- to C-terminus?
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ATryptophan, tyrosine, glutamic acid, asparagine
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BTryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, asparagine
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CTryptophan, glutamine, tryptophan, asparagine
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DGlutamine, tyrosine, tryptophan, aspartic acid
Answer
Correct Answer: Tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, asparagine
Explanation
Introduction / Context:One-letter codes are widely used in bioinformatics, structural biology, and sequence annotation. Accurate decoding ensures correct interpretation of motifs, domains, and mutational data across databases.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sequence given: W Y Q N.
- Standard one-letter codes: W = tryptophan, Y = tyrosine, Q = glutamine, N = asparagine.
- We must match each letter to the correct full name.
Concept / Approach:Memorized mappings (e.g., “Queen Q = glutamine,” “New N = asparagine,” “Why Y = tyrosine,” “Double ring W = tryptophan”) help recall. Care must be taken not to confuse Q (glutamine) with E (glutamic acid) or N (asparagine) with D (aspartic acid).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Map W → tryptophan.Map Y → tyrosine.Map Q → glutamine (amide form).Map N → asparagine (amide form).Thus, the full sequence is tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, asparagine.Verification / Alternative check:Compare with standard IUPAC tables of one-letter amino-acid codes; W, Y, Q, N are unambiguous.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Option (a) uses E (glutamic acid) instead of Q.
- Option (c) duplicates tryptophan and misplaces glutamine.
- Option (d) begins with glutamine and ends with aspartic acid (D), not N.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing amide forms (Q, N) with their acidic counterparts (E, D). The side-chain amides are neutral at physiological pH, unlike their acidic forms.
Final Answer:Tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, asparagine