Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a type of secondary structure found in proteins?
A
Quaternary structure
B
Primary structure
C
Beta sheet
D
Alpha helix
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the levels of protein structure: Proteins have four levels of structure - primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Each level describes a different aspect of the protein's shape and complexity.
Identify secondary structures: Secondary structures are local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to interactions between backbone atoms. The two most common types are alpha helices and beta sheets.
Differentiate between secondary and other structures: Primary structure refers to the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Quaternary structure involves the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains into a single protein complex. Secondary structure, such as alpha helices and beta sheets, involves local folding within a single polypeptide chain.
Recognize the characteristics of an alpha helix: An alpha helix is a right-handed coil where every backbone N-H group forms a hydrogen bond with the C=O group of the amino acid four residues earlier. This structure is stabilized by these hydrogen bonds.
Conclude with the identification of secondary structures: Based on the characteristics and definitions, alpha helix and beta sheet are types of secondary structures found in proteins.