Will H asked: I’m doing some AS
Level Biology coursework on the effects of varying concentrations of
ethanol on the permeability of beetroot
cells.
I have been asked to find out how and why ethanol affects the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins
embedded in the phospholipid bi-layer.
I have searched the internet but there is very little information about it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks very much
Will H
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Tags:
Cells,
Embedded,
Ethanol,
Level Biology
Protein folding is primarily driven by hydrophobic effect. when in its natural environment, the hydrophobic parts of the protein is buried in the center of the protein, hidden from the outside. Ethanol is relatively non-polar due to the ethyl group. If you increase the concentration of ethanol, it will interfere with the hydrophobic effect because now the nonpolar portion will be on the outside where as the hydrophilic domains (such as alpha helices and beta pleated sheets, because of hydrogen bonding) will be buried inside. Again, that is with the increasing concentration of ethanol. I hope this answer your question.