Question

What holds the subunits together in the quaternary structure?

1) Hydrogen bonds
2) Ionic bonds
3) Covalent bonds
4) Van der Waals forces

Answer 1

The subunits in the quaternary structure of a protein are held together by hydrogen bonds, ionic bonding, covalent bonds, and van der Waals forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subunits are held together in the quaternary structure of a protein by hydrogen bonds, ionic bonding, covalent bonds, and van der Waals forces. These attractive interactions contribute to the shape and stability of the folded protein. For example, hydrogen bonds form between hydrogen atoms and electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen, while ionic bonds occur between oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, and van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules or parts of molecules.