What characteristic peaks might be seen in the CD spectra of random coils?

Prepare for the UofT BCH210H1 Biochemistry I midterm with exam-like questions. Access detailed solutions and explanations for proteins, lipids, and metabolism topics. Strengthen your understanding and excel on test day!

The characteristic peaks observed in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of random coils typically occur at around 195 nm and 215 nm. These peaks reflect the unique secondary structural elements of proteins, with random coils not exhibiting the distinct peaks associated with alpha-helices or beta-sheets.

At approximately 195 nm, the peak can be attributed to the transition of peptide bonds, while the peak near 215 nm is related to the overall shape and conformation of the polypeptide chain, which is more disordered in the case of random coils. This alignment between the observed peaks and the structural characteristics of random coils confirms the validity of this choice as the correct answer in the context of CD spectroscopy.

Other options, which suggest different wavelengths for the characteristic peaks, do not align with the established understanding of the spectral properties of random coil structures. Therefore, the peaks observed at 195 nm and 215 nm specifically correlate with the random coil conformation present in proteins, leading to the conclusion that this is the correct choice.

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