Insulin Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary structure of insulin?
A
- Insulin consists of 51 amino acids:
- 2 peptide chains:
A= 21 aa
B= 30 aa - These chains are linked via disulphide bridges between A7 + B7 and A20 + B19
- There is also an internal bridge in chain a between a6 and a11
2
Q
What is the difference in amino acid sequence between human and porcine insulin?
A
In Human insulin, the amino acid at B30 is Threonine but in porcine it is alanine
3
Q
What is the secondary structure of insulin?
A
- An alpha helix which contains 3 segments with intramolecular H-bonding between amide groups
4
Q
What is the tertiary structure?
A
The disulphide bridges between chain a and b
