Biochemistry of Glutathione Oxidation

Questions and Answers

What is the structure of enkephalins?

Pentapeptides (correct)

Octapeptides

Tetrapeptides

Hexapeptides

Where are enkephalins primarily found in the body?

Spinal cord

Liver

Brain (correct)

Heart

What primary function do enkephalins serve?

Hormonal regulation

Neurotransmission

Pain relief (correct)

Memory enhancement

Which of the following statements is true about enkephalins?

They act as analgesics. Signup and view all the answers

How many enkephalins are typically referenced in discussions of their function?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What happens to reduced glutathione (GSH) during oxidation?

It becomes oxidized to form a disulfide bond. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of two GSH molecules undergoing oxidation?

Formation of oxidized glutathione (GS-SG). Signup and view all the answers

Which groups of amino acids are involved in the formation of the disulfide bond during the oxidation of glutathione?

Cysteine residues. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs specifically between the two cysteine residues during the oxidation of two GSH molecules?

A disulfide bond (S-S) is formed. Signup and view all the answers

The oxidized form of glutathione is commonly referred to as what?

Glutathione disulfide (GS-SG). Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did WHO reach regarding aspartame in June 2023?

Aspartame may be considered a possible carcinogen. Signup and view all the answers

In which types of products is aspartame commonly found?

Candies and soft drinks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding aspartame?

Aspartame is used in many food products. Signup and view all the answers

How does WHO's declaration affect perceptions of aspartame?

It heightens concern regarding its possible carcinogenic effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of aspartame being classified as a possible carcinogen?

It could be linked to cancer but not definitively. Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature is primarily responsible for the cyclic structure mentioned?

S-S link between Cys 1 and Cys 6 Signup and view all the answers

Which feature contributes to the stability of the structure mentioned?

Amide group at the C-terminus Signup and view all the answers

What are the components that lead to the stability in the structures discussed?

Amide group at C-terminus and S-S link Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of the S-S link affect the structure?

Creates a cyclic structure Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amide group at the C-terminus serve in the context discussed?

It increases stability of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a cell produces multiple copies of the same protein?

They all take the same native conformation. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the native conformation of proteins?

The sequence of amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What can negatively impact the ability of proteins to achieve their native conformation?

Genetic mutations. Signup and view all the answers

The process by which proteins reach their native conformation can be best described as:

Chaperone-assisted folding. Signup and view all the answers

If a cell fails to produce sufficient copies of a protein, what consequence might follow?

There will be a greater chance of misfolding. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oxidation of Glutathione

Two molecules of reduced glutathione (GSH) undergo oxidation, forming a disulfide bond (S-S) between cysteine residues.
This process leads to the creation of the oxidized form of glutathione, denoted as GS-SG.

Enkephalins

Enkephalins consist of two pentapeptides that serve as analgesics in the brain.
Notable features include:
- A cyclic structure formed by disulfide links between cysteine residues (Cys 1 and Cys 6).
- Presence of an amide group at the C-terminus, contributing to the stability of the peptides.

Aspartame

Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener found in various food products such as soft drinks and candies.
In June 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen.

Protein Conformation

When cells replicate the same protein, all copies adopt the same native conformation.

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Description

This quiz explores the biochemical process of glutathione oxidation. It examines the formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues and the conversion of reduced glutathione to its oxidized form. Test your understanding of these essential biochemical reactions.