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Multiple Choice
Which of the following types of bonds may contribute to the formation of a protein's tertiary structure?
A
Peptide bonds
B
Disulfide bonds
C
Phosphodiester bonds
D
Glycosidic bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of protein tertiary structure: The tertiary structure of a protein refers to its three-dimensional shape, which is stabilized by various types of interactions and bonds between the side chains (R groups) of amino acids.
Identify the types of bonds that contribute to tertiary structure: These include hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, and covalent bonds such as disulfide bonds.
Analyze the given options: Peptide bonds are responsible for linking amino acids in the primary structure, not the tertiary structure. Phosphodiester bonds are found in nucleic acids, not proteins. Glycosidic bonds are found in carbohydrates, not proteins.
Focus on disulfide bonds: Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds formed between the sulfur atoms of two cysteine residues. These bonds play a critical role in stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins by creating strong links between different parts of the polypeptide chain.
Conclude that disulfide bonds are the correct answer: Based on the analysis, disulfide bonds are the only type of bond listed that contributes to the formation of a protein's tertiary structure.