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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about protein structure is correct?
A
The α-helix is stabilized primarily by ionic interactions between amino acid R groups.
B
Disulfide bond formation can only form between adjacent cysteine residues in a sequence.
C
The stability of quaternary structure in all proteins is primarily due to covalent bonds between subunits.
D
The denaturation of a protein always leads to irreversible loss of secondary & tertiary structure.
E
Quaternary subunits complex primarily through hydrophobic interactions between chains.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the levels of protein structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Each level has distinct characteristics and types of interactions that stabilize them.
Review the α-helix structure: It is a type of secondary structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone atoms, not by ionic interactions between R groups.
Consider disulfide bonds: These are covalent bonds that can form between cysteine residues, but they do not need to be adjacent in the sequence. They can form between cysteines that are brought close together in the folded protein.
Examine quaternary structure: This level involves the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits). The stability of quaternary structures is often due to non-covalent interactions, such as hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and ionic interactions, rather than covalent bonds.
Understand protein denaturation: Denaturation involves the unfolding of a protein, which can lead to loss of secondary and tertiary structures. However, denaturation is not always irreversible; some proteins can refold back to their native state under the right conditions.