Textbook Question
What kind of bond would you expect between the side chains of the following amino acids?
c. Aspartic acid and asparagine
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18. Amino Acids and Proteins
Tertiary Protein Structure
Multiple Choice
What type of R group interaction is the most likely between the alanine and isoleucine residues?
A
Hydrogen bonding
B
Hydrophobic interaction
C
Disulfide bridge
D
Salt bridge
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the R groups of alanine and isoleucine. Alanine has a methyl group (-CH3) as its side chain, while isoleucine has a more complex hydrocarbon chain.
Understand the nature of the R groups: Both alanine and isoleucine have nonpolar, hydrophobic side chains composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen.
Consider the types of interactions possible between nonpolar R groups. Nonpolar side chains typically engage in hydrophobic interactions due to their tendency to avoid water and associate with each other.
Evaluate the other options: Hydrogen bonding requires polar groups, disulfide bridges require cysteine residues, and salt bridges require charged groups. None of these conditions are met by alanine and isoleucine.
Conclude that the most likely interaction between the alanine and isoleucine residues is a hydrophobic interaction, as both have nonpolar side chains that prefer to interact with each other rather than with water.
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