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Multiple Choice
Which of the following amino acid pairs are the most likely to form hydrogen bonds?
A
Cysteine – cysteine
B
Lysine – glutamate
C
Serine – threonine
D
Leucine – valine
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom.
Identify functional groups capable of hydrogen bonding: In amino acids, the hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and carboxyl (-COOH) groups are common sites for hydrogen bonding.
Analyze the side chains of the given amino acids: Serine and threonine both contain hydroxyl groups in their side chains, which can participate in hydrogen bonding.
Compare with other pairs: Cysteine has a thiol group (-SH), which is less effective in hydrogen bonding compared to hydroxyl groups. Lysine has an amino group, and glutamate has a carboxyl group, which can form hydrogen bonds, but their interaction is more ionic. Leucine and valine have nonpolar side chains, making them unlikely to form hydrogen bonds.
Conclude that serine and threonine are the most likely to form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in their side chains, which are highly effective in forming hydrogen bonds.