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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the function of a peptide bond in proteins?
A
It stabilizes the tertiary structure of proteins through disulfide bridges.
B
It catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins into amino acids.
C
It links amino acids together by forming a covalent bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
D
It transports amino acids across cell membranes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a peptide bond. A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed between the carboxyl group (-COOH) of one amino acid and the amino group (-NH2) of another amino acid during a condensation reaction, releasing a molecule of water (H2O).
Step 2: Recognize the role of peptide bonds in protein structure. Peptide bonds are responsible for linking amino acids together to form polypeptide chains, which are the primary structure of proteins.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, disulfide bridges stabilize tertiary structure, not peptide bonds. Hydrolysis breaks peptide bonds, but peptide bonds themselves do not catalyze hydrolysis. Transporting amino acids across membranes is unrelated to peptide bond function.
Step 4: Focus on the correct description. The correct function of a peptide bond is to link amino acids together by forming a covalent bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
Step 5: Summarize the importance of peptide bonds. They are essential for protein synthesis and structure, as they form the backbone of polypeptide chains, enabling the formation of functional proteins.