Question

Select a conjugated protein

• A. Collagen
• B. Albumin
• C. Keratin
• D. Hemoglobin

Hint:

• Simple proteins: Yield only amino acids upon hydrolysis.
• Conjugated proteins: Yield amino acids + a non-protein prosthetic group.
• Hemoglobin's prosthetic group is heme (an iron-containing porphyrin).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of biochemistry, a conjugated protein is a type of protein that is combined with a non-protein component called a prosthetic group. This distinguishes them from simple proteins, which consist solely of amino acids.

Among the options provided, let's analyze:

• Collagen: A structural protein found in connective tissues; it is not a conjugated protein as it does not have a non-protein component.
• Albumin: A simple protein primarily found in blood plasma, not associated with a non-protein component.
• Keratin: Another structural protein forming hair and nails, without a non-protein component.
• Hemoglobin: A conjugated protein that contains iron as a prosthetic group within its heme group, enabling it to carry oxygen in the blood.

Thus, the correct choice is Hemoglobin, as it is indeed a conjugated protein with its heme group serving a critical function.