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Multiple Choice
Which of the following levels of protein structure is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds between backbone amide and carbonyl groups?
A
Secondary structure
B
Primary structure
C
Quaternary structure
D
Tertiary structure
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the four levels of protein structure: Primary structure refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. Secondary structure involves local folding patterns such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Tertiary structure is the overall 3D shape of a single polypeptide, and quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains.
Focus on the secondary structure: This level of protein structure is characterized by regular patterns of folding, such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone amide (NH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups.
Examine the role of hydrogen bonds: In secondary structure, hydrogen bonds form between the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group (C=O) and the hydrogen atom of the amide group (NH) in the polypeptide backbone. These bonds are responsible for maintaining the structure of alpha-helices and beta-sheets.
Compare the stabilization mechanisms of other levels: Primary structure is stabilized by covalent peptide bonds, tertiary structure is stabilized by interactions such as hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges, and quaternary structure is stabilized by interactions between polypeptide subunits.
Conclude that secondary structure is the correct answer: Based on the stabilization mechanism described, hydrogen bonds between backbone amide and carbonyl groups are specific to secondary structure.