Question

Which statement is true about disulfide bonds?

1) Disulfide bonds are formed between two sulfur atoms.
2) Disulfide bonds are only found in proteins.
3) Disulfide bonds are easily broken by heat.
4) Disulfide bonds are not important for protein structure.

Answer 1

Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds formed between sulfur atoms of two cysteine residues within proteins, crucial for protein stability and not easily broken by heat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about disulfide bonds is that they are formed between two sulfur atoms. Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds that occur between the sulfhydryl groups of two cysteine amino acids within a protein, resulting in the formation of cystine.

This type of bond is essential for stabilizing the 3-dimensional tertiary structure of proteins and is not easily broken by heat. Instead, harsh chemicals are typically required to break these strong covalent bonds, making them crucial for the integrity and function of the protein structure.