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Question #45217
The Question
Mature human insulin consists of two short polypeptide chains: chain A and chain B, which are linked together by disulfide bridges. If a pathological cellular defect causes the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in pancreatic β-cells to shift into a strong reducing environment, which of the following is the most likely consequence on insulin maturation?
Options
- A.
The C-peptide will fail to be synthesized during translation, leading to the direct but non-functional assembly of the A and B chains.
- B.
The A and B chains will physically dissociate upon the enzymatic removal of the C-peptide, resulting in biologically inactive insulin.
- C.
The peptide bonds connecting the A, B, and C chains will undergo spontaneous hydrolysis, degrading the prohormone completely.
- D.
The proinsulin will fold incorrectly due to the disruption of hydrogen bonds, while the inter-chain disulfide bridges remain intact.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Insulin_vs_Glucagon_Effects|Disulfide_Bridges|C-Peptide
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'C-peptide removal equals maturation' but overlook that the structural integrity of the resulting A and B chains relies entirely on pre-formed disulfide bridges.
This question tests the biochemical distinction between peptide bond cleavage (enzymatic maturation) and disulfide bond disruption (redox state dependency), linking Biotechnology (Insulin) with Biomolecules (Protein structure).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biomolecules - Class 11 |
| Concept | Secondary Protein Structure Stabilizers |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |