Explain how a change in the primary structure may result in a non functional enzyme

A change in the primary structure means there has been a change in the amino acid sequence.This may cause different hydrogen bonding to occur, leading to a different secondary structure.This may lead to different folding due to different hydrogen, ionic and disulphide bridge interactions. This may lead to a different tertiary structure, and therefore a different active site shape.Therefore the active site may no longer be complimentary to the substrate meaning that enzyme substrate complexes cannot form. Therefore, the enzyme is not functional.
This is a very common style of A level question which the student should understand how to answer. Underlined are the key words that a mark scheme is looking for.

SS
Answered by Sanskriti S. Biology tutor

9725 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how DNA is replicated and why this is important in biology.


What are the different types of immunity?


What are the key features of intensive rearing?


Explain the transmission of a nerve impulse across a cholinergic synapse referring to action potentials. (6)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning