Question

How many polypeptide chains does insulin consist of?

(a) 4

(b) 3

(c) 2

(d) 1

The question was asked at a job interview.

I need to ask this question from Biotechnological Applications in Medicine: Genetically Engineered Insulin in chapter Biotechnology and its Applications of Biology – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) 2

Easiest explanation: Insulin consists of two polypeptide chains. These are known as A chain and B chain. A chain is made up of 21 amino acids while the B chain is made up of 30 amino acids. Thus, making insulin a polypeptide containing 51 amino acids.