A protein has a molecular weight of 440000 dalton and it consists of four identical subunits. How many amino acids are approximately present in a single subunit?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking to calculate the approximate number of amino acids present in a single subunit of a protein with a specific molecular weight. The total molecular weight of the protein and the number of identical subunits are provided, which allows for the estimation of the number of amino acids per subunit based on the average weight of an amino acid.

Answer

$1000$

Steps to Solve

Determine the molecular weight of one subunit

To find the molecular weight of a single subunit, divide the total molecular weight of the protein by the number of subunits.

[ \text{Weight of one subunit} = \frac{440000 \text{ dalton}}{4} = 110000 \text{ dalton} ]

Estimate the average weight of an amino acid

The average molecular weight of an amino acid is approximately 110 dalton.

Calculate the number of amino acids in one subunit

To find the number of amino acids in one subunit, divide the molecular weight of one subunit by the average weight of an amino acid:

[ \text{Number of amino acids} = \frac{110000 \text{ dalton}}{110 \text{ dalton}} = 1000 ]

The approximate number of amino acids present in a single subunit is $1000$.

More Information

In proteins, the number of amino acids can vary widely, but the average weight of an amino acid helps in determining an approximate count based on the protein's molecular weight. This calculation is crucial in biochemistry for understanding protein structure and function.

Tips

Dividing by the wrong number of subunits: Ensure you divide by the total number of identical subunits correctly.
Using an inaccurate average molecular weight for amino acids: Remember that the average weight of an amino acid is about 110 dalton, not 100 or 120.

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