Final answer:
Hydrophobic interactions involve nonpolar amino acid side chains clustering together in a protein's interior to minimize contact with water, critically influencing protein folding and structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydrophobic interactions occur between the nonpolar side chains of amino acids with aliphatic or aromatic hydrophobic R groups, such as valine and phenylalanine. In an aqueous environment, these nonpolar groups are not compatible with water and therefore tend to associate with each other. This results in the hydrophobic R groups aggregating in the interior of a protein, away from water, forming hydrophobic clusters. This structural preference greatly influences the tertiary structure of proteins, as the protein folds to minimize the exposure of hydrophobic groups to water. These interactions are essential for maintaining the complex three-dimensional structure that is necessary for a protein's functionality.