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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about protein primary structure is true?
A
The primary structure refers to the three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide chain.
B
The primary structure of a protein is determined by the sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
C
The primary structure is altered by changes in pH and temperature alone.
D
The primary structure is stabilized mainly by hydrogen bonds between side chains.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of protein primary structure. The primary structure of a protein refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain, linked by peptide bonds. This sequence is unique to each protein and determines its overall structure and function.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'The primary structure refers to the three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide chain.' This is incorrect because the three-dimensional folding is part of the tertiary structure, not the primary structure.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'The primary structure of a protein is determined by the sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.' This is correct because the primary structure is defined by the specific order of amino acids connected by peptide bonds.
Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'The primary structure is altered by changes in pH and temperature alone.' This is incorrect because changes in pH and temperature typically affect higher levels of protein structure (secondary, tertiary, or quaternary) rather than the primary structure, which is covalently bonded and more stable.
Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'The primary structure is stabilized mainly by hydrogen bonds between side chains.' This is incorrect because the primary structure is stabilized by covalent peptide bonds, not hydrogen bonds, which are more relevant to secondary and tertiary structures.