The fibronectin protein has a tripeptide segment with the sequence RGD, which is important in mediating cell-cell interactions. In a healthy environment, the protein is present at pH 7. In many tumors, the extracellular environment is acidified, for example to pH 6. Does the fraction of tripeptides with net neutral charge increase or decrease in tumors relative to healthy tissue? Justify your answer, and quantify this increase or decrease.
Proteins
We generally tend to think of proteins only from a dietary lens, as a component of what we eat. However, they are among the most important and abundant organic macromolecules in the human body, with diverse structures and functions. Every cell contains thousands and thousands of proteins, each with specific functions. Some help in the formation of cellular membrane or walls, some help the cell to move, others act as messages or signals and flow seamlessly from one cell to another, carrying information.
Protein Expression
The method by which living organisms synthesize proteins and further modify and regulate them is called protein expression. Protein expression plays a significant role in several types of research and is highly utilized in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein research laboratories.
![The fibronectin protein has a tripeptide segment with the sequence RGD, which is important in mediating
cell-cell interactions. In a healthy environment, the protein is present at pH 7. In many tumors, the
extracellular environment is acidified, for example to pH 6. Does the fraction of tripeptides with net
neutral charge increase or decrease in tumors relative to healthy tissue? Justify your answer, and quantify
this increase or decrease.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F32382d02-fb54-4d44-b311-534b52ffe287%2F2ba5d448-911c-4d77-a1e7-219b8d2a94c5%2Fqnb8iw7_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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