Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In a globular protein, which type of interaction is primarily responsible for stabilizing its tertiary structure?
A
Peptide bonds
B
Hydrophobic interactions
C
Glycosidic linkages
D
Phosphodiester bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of tertiary structure in proteins: The tertiary structure refers to the three-dimensional folding of a protein, which is stabilized by various interactions between the side chains of amino acids.
Review the types of interactions that contribute to protein stability: These include hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals forces, and disulfide bridges.
Focus on hydrophobic interactions: Hydrophobic interactions occur when nonpolar side chains of amino acids cluster together in the interior of the protein, away from the aqueous environment. This minimizes the exposure of hydrophobic regions to water and contributes significantly to the stability of the tertiary structure.
Eliminate incorrect options: Peptide bonds are responsible for linking amino acids in the primary structure, glycosidic linkages are found in carbohydrates, and phosphodiester bonds are present in nucleic acids. None of these are directly involved in stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins.
Conclude that hydrophobic interactions are the primary force stabilizing the tertiary structure of globular proteins, as they play a key role in maintaining the protein's folded conformation in an aqueous environment.