Which interactions are responsible for holding alpha helix structure together?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which interactions are responsible for holding alpha helix structure together.
Option presented: Hydrogen Bonding.
Consider the structural chemistry of alpha helices: the defining stabilizing interaction is a regular pattern of hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl oxygen of residue i and the amide hydrogen of residue i+4. This intramolecular backbone hydrogen-bonding network stabilizes the helical turn and keeps the helix axis straight and compact.
Exploring the rationale: Hydrogen bonds form in a repeating, geometric arrangement that precisely aligns with the native helical pitch, making the structure energetically favorable. Without these backbone H-bonds, the helix would be much less stable and more prone to unfolding or adopting random coil configurations.
Regarding alternative interactions (when present in other contexts): while hydrophobic contacts, van der Waals forces, ionic interactions, and side-chain packing can contribute to overall protein stability, the quintessential feature that specifies and maintains the alpha-helix conformation is the regular pattern of backbone hydrogen bonding along the N-H...C=O hydrogen-bonding backbone network.
Since no other answer choices were provided in the options list, there is no additional option to compare for potential misconceptions. The core mechanism described—backbone hydrogen bonding—adequately accounts for the alpha-helix stability, aligning with standard biochemistry of secondary structure formation.

BIOT5621.36986.202530 Exam I Spring 2025 retry

Which interactions are responsible for holding alpha helix structure together?

查看解析

登录即可查看完整答案

类似问题

The polypeptide's R groups in alpha helices---------------------and in the β-pleated sheet, hydrogen bonding between atoms on the polypeptide chain's backbone forms the "pleats". The R groups are attached to the carbons and -------------------- the pleat's folds.

The Aa pro is represented by which one of the following structures. Due to its structure it is usually not found in.............................

When discussing secondary structure, which one of the following best indicates how alpha-helices were described?

Which of the following best defines a protein’s secondary structure?

A beta sheet is an example of a secondary structure of a protein.

Structurally, antibodies primarily comprise ______________.

更多留学生实用工具

考试浏览器助手

风格化写作助手

论文查重助手

文献引用助手

课堂转译助手

课堂笔记助手

Quiz搜索助手

学校历年真题

智能刷题助手

智能匹配练习

希望你的学习变得更简单