Question
This enzyme contains a “peripheral anionic site” where aromatic residues bind to the quaternary ammonium cation of its substrate. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this enzyme with a serine-histidine-glutamate catalytic triad. It is difficult to reactivate this enzyme with oximes (“OX-eems”) after its active site undergoes dealkylation and becomes “aged.”
ANSWER: acetylcholinesterase [or AChE or AChase; accept acetylcholine acetylhydrolase; reject “acetylcholine” or “ACh”]
[10e] Two answers required. Many nerve agents that inhibit acetylcholinesterase contain a central double bond between these two elements. A 1.5-angstrom double bond between these two non-carbon elements is formed in the Wittig reaction.
ANSWER: oxygen AND phosphorus [or O in place of “oxygen”; or P in place of “phosphorus”; accept in either order; accept organophosphates or organophosphorus compounds]
[10m] This is the most notable member of a family of nerve agents where the central phosphorus is bonded to sulfur instead of a halide. This nerve agent was used to assassinate Kim Jong-nam in 2017.
ANSWER: VX [or venomous agent X; prompt on V-series]
<KP, Chemistry>
Data
Summary
| Tournament | Edition | Exact Match? | Heard | PPB | Easy % | Medium % | Hard % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chicago Open | 07/28/2024 | Y | 14 | 7.14 | 43% | 21% | 7% |