Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 2
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders. People with SCD have sickle-shaped red blood cells. A single base substitution mutation can cause one ty... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Change in (sequence of) amino acids (primary structure)
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The single base substitution changes one amino acid in the sequence of the beta polypeptide, impacting the primary structure of hemoglobin.
Step 2
Change in hydrogen/ionic/disulfide bonds
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
This alteration leads to changes in the bonding interactions, such as hydrogen or ionic bonds, which in turn affect the folding of the polypeptide.
Step 3
Alters tertiary/quaternary structure
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
As a result of these changes, the overall 3D structure of hemoglobin is altered, affecting its function in transporting oxygen.
