Question

A triple helix structure of the collagen molecule is stabilized by -------- between glycine molecules and -------- between 4-hydroxyproline molecules?

A) Hydrogen bonds; covalent bonds
B) Ionic bonds; van der Waals forces
C) Van der Waals forces; hydrogen bonds
D) Covalent bonds; ionic bonds

Answer 1

The triple helix structure of collagen is mainly stabilized by hydrogen bonds between glycine and 4-hydroxyproline molecules, indicated by answer choice A) Hydrogen bonds; covalent bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The triple helix structure of the collagen molecule is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between glycine molecules and hydrogen bonds between 4-hydroxyproline molecules. Thus, the correct answer to the question is: A) Hydrogen bonds; covalent bonds. This is because glycine, being the smallest amino acid, appears at every third position in the polypeptide chain allowing the formation of the triple helix structure of collagen. The presence of proline and hydroxyproline provides the collagen molecule with rigidity and strength due to their specific spatial arrangements which enable hydrogen bonding.