RuBisCO (Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase and Oxygenase) is a complex protein made up of 8 large subunits and 8 small subunits making the whole enzyme complex of approximately 560 kDa (kilo Daltons) in size. How much would 1 mole of this RuBisCO weigh in pounds (1 Kg+2.2 Lbs)

1 mol of Rubisco weights 2.045 x 10^ (-21) Lbs.

Explanation:

Rubisco is a complex protein made up of 8 large subunits and 8 small subunitss making the whole enzyme complex of approximately 560 Kilo Daltons (kDa) in size. To solve this problem, first you have to recognize that in 1 mol of Rubisco will be 8 large subunits and 8 small subunits. Then you must consider the equivalence between KDa and kilograms.

1 kDa = 1.66 x 10^ (-24) Kg

⇒ 560 kDa x [ (1.66 x 10^ (-24) Kg) / 1 kDa]

⇒ 9.296 x 10^ (-22) Kg.

Secondly, you have to consider the relation between kilograms and pound given in the problem.

1 Kg = 2.2 Lbs ⇒ [9.296 x 10^ (-22) Kg] x (2.2 Lbs / 1 Kg)

⇒ 2.045 x 10^ (-21) Lbs.

Summarizing, 1 mol of Rubisco weights 2.045 x 10^ (-21) Lbs.