[php snippet=1]
Enzyme X creates peptide bonds between amino acids leucine and valine, as well as peptide bonds between leucine molecules and between valine molecules. If enzyme X catalyzed the production of leu2val2, how many different linear tetrapeptides would be possible?
Loading ...
Correct Answer: B. 6
Keeping in mind that a tetrapeptide (i.e. an oligopeptide or even if it were a protein) has an amino end and a carboxyl end, it means that LLVV would be different to VVLL where L = leucine and V = valine. Thus there are 6 possibilities:
- LLVV
- VLLV
- VVLL
- LVLV
- LVVL
- VLVL
Basic stats is only required for the 2015 MCAT. If that is what you are considering then you should describe this problem as 4 choose 2 or: 4!/(2!)(2!) = 4*3*2*1/2*2 = 24/4 = 6.
Today’s question has been brought to you by Gold Standard MCAT.
Get more passage-based questions at Gold Standard MCAT.
Subscribe below to receive the MCAT Question of the Day delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
