1. The Functional aspect of the protein under investigation
The building blocks of proteins are the amino acids. Twenty different amino acids are present in the body, and they act as these blocks. Amino acids play significant role in physiological processes that relates to energy, mood, brain function, muscle, recovery and strength gains (Akıllıoğlu & Melik 2012). These building blocks of proteins (amino acids) are divided into two distinctive groups namely Dispensable Amino Acids (DAA) and Indispensable Amino Acids (IAA). The article focuses on a type of amino acid referred to as NMDA receptor. This kind of glutamate receptor is critical for memory formation. Blocking the receptor cells of NMDA is an effective technique of that limits damages caused by stroke (Akıllıoğlu & Melik 2012).
2. Determining whether an amino acid or string of amino acids contributes to functions under investigation
Upon binding NMDA to receptor, it would thus open an ion channel that would allow Na+ along with Ca++ ions The membrane voltage regulates amount of Zinc and glycerin.
Schematic of NMDA receptor structure
3. Description of techniques used to identify functionally important amino acids
Apparently, the measurement of different protein variants help assess whether they change the subject or function of focus. Functionally important amino acids are located in the ribosome and cellulose, and are key regulators in the metabolic pathways (Akıllıoğlu & Melik 2012).
4. Describing the mechanisms either demonstrated or postulated to occur, by which the functionally important amino acids contribute to the protein function under investigation
The functionally important amino acids contribute to proper functioning of the protein. Glutamate would bind to the receptor. For the NMDA receptor, it would be pertinent to consider the binding assays using radio labeled glutamate. Understand of the fact or notion of underlying issues regarding mutants is illustrated by presence of single amino acids (Akıllıoğlu & Melik 2012).
5. How far apart the amino acids are in terms of primary amino acid sequence and Verifying whether the protein consists of multiple similar subunits with similar important amino acids in each one
The interrelated functioning of receptor (NMDA receptors) would allow individuals are able to operate normally. The distance between primary amino acids increases the surface area for effective functioning. Apparently, the non-polar chains comprise different lengths corresponding to different protein spacing and flexibility (Akıllıoğlu & Melik 2012).
Reference
Akıllıoğlu, K., Melik, E., & Melik, E. (2012). The Effect of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockade and Physical Environmental Enrichment During Childhood on Emotional and Cognitive Function in Adulthood in Balb/C Mice. Erciyes Medical Journal, 34(2), 50-58
