Which of the Following Statements is True of the Water

Question

Which of the following statements is true of the water solubility of proteins?
A) Both fibrous and globular proteins are insoluble in water.
B) Both fibrous and globular proteins are soluble in water.
C) Fibrous proteins are insoluble in water.
D) Globular proteins are insoluble in water.

Accepted Answer

Fibrous proteins, such as collagen and keratin, are insoluble in water due to their long, extended and nonpolar (hydrophobic) polypeptide chains which lack charged groups to interact with water. In contrast, globular proteins, such as enzymes and antibodies, have a compact 3-dimensional shape with polar (hydrophilic) amino acid residues exposed on the surface, enabling them to interact with water and remain soluble.