What was the major conclusion of C. Anfinsen's experiment involving ribonuclease?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the major conclusion from Christian Anfinsen's experiment with ribonuclease. Anfinsen's experiment demonstrated that a protein's primary structure (amino acid sequence) contains all the information needed for it to fold into its correct three-dimensional structure and thus its biological activity. We need to identify the statement that best reflects this conclusion.
Answer
The amino acid sequence of a protein determines its 3D structure and function.
The major conclusion of Christian Anfinsen's experiment was that the amino acid sequence of a protein determines its three-dimensional structure and thus its function.
Answer for screen readers
The major conclusion of Christian Anfinsen's experiment was that the amino acid sequence of a protein determines its three-dimensional structure and thus its function.
More Information
Anfinsen's experiment involved denaturing ribonuclease (unfolding it) and then allowing it to refold. He found that the protein spontaneously refolded into its active, native conformation, demonstrating that all the information needed for folding was contained within the amino acid sequence itself.
Tips
It is a common misconception that protein folding requires external factors or chaperones. While these can assist the process in vivo, Anfinsen's experiment showed that the sequence itself is sufficient to determine the final structure.
Sources
- Anfinsen - Protein Structure - history.nih.gov
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