Chapter 1

The genome of the Mycoplasma genitalium consists of 523 genes, encoding 484 proteins, in just 580,074 base pairs (Table 1.6). What fraction of the \(M .\) genitalium genes encode proteins? What do you think the other genes encode? If the fraction of base pairs devoted to protein-coding genes is the same as the fraction of the total genes that they represent, what is the average number of base pairs per protein-coding gene? If it takes 3 base pairs to specify an amino acid in a protein, how many amino acids are found in the average \(M .\) genitalium protein? If each amino acid contributes on average 120 Daltons to the mass of a protein, what is the mass of an average M. genitalium protein?

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a site of protein synthesis. Proteins made by ribosomes associated with the ER may pass into the ER membrane or enter the lumen of the ER. Devise a pathway by which: a. a plasma membrane protein may reach the plasma membrane. b. a secreted protein may be deposited outside the cell.

Biological molecules often interact via weak forces (H bonds, van der Waals interactions, etc.). What would be the effect of an increase in kinetic energy on such interactions?

Proteins and nucleic acids are informational macromolecules. What are the two minimal criteria for a linear informational polymer?