Question

In the formation of the secondary structure of a protein, which of the following are most responsible for holding an alpha-helix region in its helical form?

A. Ionic bonds
B. Hydrogen bonds
C. Disulfide bonds
D. Hydrophobic interactions
E. Van der Waals Interactions

Answer 1

The alpha-helix region of a protein's secondary structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds that occur between the oxygen atom of a carbonyl group and the nitrogen atom of an amide group in the polypeptide chain. The option (B) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the formation of the secondary structure of a protein, the alpha-helix region is held in its helical form primarily by hydrogen bonds.

These hydrogen bonds form between the oxygen atom of a carbonyl group in one amino acid and the nitrogen atom of an amide group four amino acids away, resulting in the characteristic helical twist. This type of bonding is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of proteins in their secondary structure. Therefore, option (B) is correct.