A. It is a triple-stranded helical structure, made up of three collagen polypeptide chains, called 'alpha ($\alpha$) chain'
B. It is a repeating tripeptide of Gly-X-Y, where X is often proline, and Y is often 4-hydroxyproline
C. '$\alpha$ chains' are right-handed helix
D. Its glycine residues permit the sharp twisting of the collagen helix
E. Ascorbic acid is required for proline hydroxylation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
We need to identify the true statements about collagen from the given options.
Collagen possesses a characteristic triple-stranded helical structure. This structure is formed by three individual polypeptide chains, known as 'alpha (α) chains', wound around each other. Therefore, statement A is true.
The amino acid sequence in collagen is highly repetitive. It predominantly follows a repeating tripeptide unit of Gly-X-Y. In this sequence, the 'X' position is frequently occupied by proline (Pro), and the 'Y' position is often occupied by 4-hydroxyproline (Hyp). Thus, statement B is true.
Individual collagen alpha (α) chains adopt a right-handed helical conformation (similar to polyproline II). However, the three alpha chains then twist around each other in a left-handed superhelix to form the collagen triple helix. As the provided answer excludes this statement, it's considered false in this context, likely focusing on the overall triple helix structure's handedness or specific chain properties.
Glycine residues, being the smallest amino acid with only a hydrogen atom as its side chain, are critical. They allow the tight packing and rotation required for the formation of the collagen helix, especially at the center of the triple helix where space is limited. However, the statement focuses specifically on enabling 'sharp twisting'. Given the correct answer excludes this, this statement is considered false, possibly due to an oversimplified or inaccurate emphasis.
The stability of the collagen structure is significantly dependent on post-translational modifications, particularly the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues. The enzyme prolyl hydroxylase requires ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a cofactor to catalyze the hydroxylation of proline. Deficiency in ascorbic acid impairs collagen synthesis and stability. Hence, statement E is true.
Based on the analysis, statements A, B, and E are true. Statements C and D are considered false in the context of the provided correct answer.
The combination of true statements is A, B, and E only. This corresponds to Option 4.
Morgenthau's principles of political realism are:
A. Politics is rooted in permanent and unchanging human nature which is basically self centred, self-regarding and self-interested
B. Politics is an autonomous sphere of action and cannot therefore be reduced to morals
C. International Politics is an arena of conflicting self-interests
D. The ethics of international relations is situational ethics which is very different from private morality
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Who among the following political thinkers consider the anarchical self help system to be a compelling factor for States to maximise their relative power positions?