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Multiple Choice
The bonds that hold tRNA molecules in the correct three-dimensional shape are __________.
A
peptide bonds
B
phosphodiester bonds
C
disulfide bonds
D
hydrogen bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of tRNA: tRNA (transfer RNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein during translation. It has a three-dimensional cloverleaf structure formed by folding.
Identify the types of bonds involved in maintaining molecular structures: Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen). These bonds are crucial for stabilizing the secondary and tertiary structures of biomolecules, including tRNA.
Analyze the role of hydrogen bonds in tRNA: The three-dimensional shape of tRNA is maintained by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs within the molecule. These bonds occur in regions where the tRNA folds back on itself, forming stem-loop structures.
Differentiate hydrogen bonds from other bond types: Peptide bonds link amino acids in proteins, phosphodiester bonds connect nucleotides in the backbone of RNA and DNA, and disulfide bonds stabilize protein structures by linking sulfur atoms. None of these are responsible for the folding of tRNA into its functional shape.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds are the correct answer: Based on the structural and functional characteristics of tRNA, hydrogen bonds are responsible for maintaining its three-dimensional shape.