Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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A dimer is formed when:

  1. Two different types of cells merge

  2. Two receptor polypeptides associate closely

  3. A single molecule undergoes denaturation

  4. Two molecules dissolve in a solution

The correct answer is: Two receptor polypeptides associate closely

A dimer is formed when two molecules, specifically two receptor polypeptides, associate closely. This association can result from various interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, or van der Waals forces. Dimers are important in biochemical processes as many proteins function as dimers, which can affect their stability, activity, and specificity. For example, receptor dimers can enhance or alter the signaling pathways initiated by binding to ligands, thereby playing a crucial role in cellular communication and function. This structural configuration allows for more complex regulation and interaction mechanisms within biological systems, highlighting the significance of dimerization in cellular processes and protein functionality.

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