Final answer:
Hydrogen bonds in an α-helix form between the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group and the hydrogen atom of the amide group that is every fourth amino acid along the protein chain.
Therefore, the correct choice is: A. every fourth amino acid
Step-by-step explanation:
In an α (alpha) helix structure of a protein, hydrogen bonds form between the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group in one peptide bond and the hydrogen atom of the amide group in another peptide bond that is every fourth amino acid along the chain.
This bonding occurs between the non-R group portions of amino acids, resulting in the characteristic spiral or helical shape of the α-helix. These hydrogen bonds are crucial for maintaining the stability of the α-helix structure, one of the common types of secondary structures found in proteins.
Therefore, the correct choice is: A. every fourth amino acid