Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryBiomolecules
Which of the following sets of forces and bonds are involved in stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins?
Options
- AElectrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole attractions, and disulfide cross-lin
- BElectrostatic forces only
- CElectrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds
- DElectrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces
Correct answer
A. Electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole attractions, and disulfide cross-lin
Step-by-step solution
The tertiary structure of a protein refers to its overall three-dimensional shape, which is formed by the folding of the secondary structure. This structure is stabilized by various types of interactions between the side chains (R groups) of the amino acids. These interactions include: 1. Hydrogen bonds: Formed between polar side chains. 2. Electrostatic forces (ionic bonds or salt bridges): Formed between oppositely charged side chains (acidic and basic amino acids). 3. van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interac