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Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of amino acids can form hydrogen bonds between their side-chain groups?
A
Alanine and Glycine
B
Leucine and Valine
C
Serine and Threonine
D
Phenylalanine and Isoleucine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom with a lone pair of electrons. In amino acids, hydrogen bonds can form between side-chain groups containing polar functional groups.
Step 2: Analyze the side chains of the amino acids in the pairs provided. Alanine and Glycine have nonpolar side chains (methyl group for Alanine and hydrogen for Glycine), which cannot form hydrogen bonds. Leucine and Valine also have nonpolar, hydrophobic side chains (branched alkyl groups), so they cannot form hydrogen bonds either.
Step 3: Examine the side chains of Serine and Threonine. Serine has a hydroxyl (-OH) group, and Threonine has both a hydroxyl (-OH) group and a methyl group. The hydroxyl groups are polar and can act as hydrogen bond donors or acceptors, making it possible for these amino acids to form hydrogen bonds between their side chains.
Step 4: Consider Phenylalanine and Isoleucine. Phenylalanine has a nonpolar aromatic ring, and Isoleucine has a nonpolar alkyl side chain. Neither of these side chains contains polar functional groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct pair of amino acids capable of forming hydrogen bonds between their side-chain groups is Serine and Threonine, due to the presence of polar hydroxyl groups in their side chains.