Biology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Biology CLEP Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with explanations and hints to ensure a full understanding. Boost your exam readiness today!

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What part of a protein is responsible for its shape and function?

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Quaternary

The correct answer is: Tertiary

The tertiary structure of a protein is determined by the interactions between its secondary structure elements, such as alpha helices and beta sheets. This structure is essential for the protein to carry out its specific function. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because while they play important roles in the overall structure of a protein, they are not solely responsible for its shape and function. The primary structure (option A) is the linear arrangement of amino acids in a protein, the secondary structure (option B) is the folding patterns of the protein, and the quaternary structure (option D) refers to the arrangement of individual protein subunits. Without the proper tertiary structure, the protein may not be functional even if it has the correct primary, secondary, and quaternary structures. Thus, the tertiary structure is the most important factor in determining a protein's shape and function.