Question

explain how the name of the basic-region leucine zipper motif reflects its structure

Answer 1

The basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) is a three dimensional structural motif in proteins with a characteristic amino acid segment where the leucine residue occurs at every seventh position in the dimerization domain. It is formed by the dimerization of two alpha helix monomers bound to DNA. Binding to DNA occurs via its N-terminal where the basic residues- Lysine and Arginine are located. This binding arrangement through the basic terminals is reflected its name.