Question

Which amino acids have side chains that fit into the specificity pocket of chymotrypsin?

Answer 1

Answer:

The aromatic amino acids; Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine

Amino acids with bulky side chains; Leucine and Methionine

Explanation:

Chymotrypsin is a member of the serine proteases, which is family of enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds through the action of an active site serine.

Chymotrypsin cleaves peptide bonds on the C-terminal of aromatic amino acids or amino acids with bulky hydrophobic sides chains such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, leucine and methionine. This specificity for aromatic amino acids is due to its large hydrophobic pocket and due to the complementary nature of these amino acids when they bind to the pocket.