Which of the following contains sulphur?
**Core Concept**
Insulin, a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, is essential for glucose homeostasis. It is composed of A and B chains linked by disulfide bridges, which contain sulfur atoms.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Insulin's disulfide bridges are crucial for its stability and biological activity. The A chain contains the cysteine residues (Cys A7 and Cys A19) that form a disulfide bond, while the B chain contains Cys B7 and Cys B19. This disulfide bridge helps to maintain the correct conformation of insulin, enabling it to bind to its receptor and facilitate glucose uptake in cells. The presence of sulfur in insulin is a key feature of its molecular structure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Creatine, a high-energy compound found in muscles, does not contain sulfur. It is composed of arginine, glycine, and methionine, but no sulfur-containing amino acids.
**Option C:** Inulin, a polysaccharide found in plants, is composed of fructose units and does not contain sulfur. It is often used as a dietary fiber supplement.
**Option D:** Creatinine, a byproduct of creatine metabolism, is a water-soluble compound that does not contain sulfur. It is excreted by the kidneys and is often used as a marker of renal function.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The presence of sulfur in insulin is a critical aspect of its molecular structure, which enables it to form disulfide bridges and maintain its biological activity. This is an essential concept in biochemistry, as it highlights the importance of sulfur-containing amino acids in protein structure and function.
β Correct Answer: B. Insulin