Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about α-helices is false?
4. Protein Structure
Alpha Helix
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Which of the following is true regarding the α-helices in the protein bacteriorhodopsin?
A
Its α-helices involve multiple polypeptide chains to stabilize the coiled structures.
B
Their spiral-like structure is stabilized primarily by backbone hydrogen bonds.
C
Its α-helices are commonly depicted as cones pointing towards the c-terminal end.
D
Along with its β-sheets, its α-helices define its tertiary level of protein structure.
E
a & b.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of α-helices: α-helices are a common secondary structure in proteins, characterized by a right-handed coil where the backbone is stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
Analyze the image of bacteriorhodopsin: The image shows a protein structure with several α-helices, depicted in blue, which are typical of bacteriorhodopsin's structure.
Identify the stabilization of α-helices: In α-helices, the spiral-like structure is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone atoms, specifically between the carbonyl oxygen of one amino acid and the amide hydrogen of another four residues away.
Consider the depiction of α-helices: α-helices are often represented as cylinders or spirals in structural diagrams, but not typically as cones pointing towards the c-terminal end.
Evaluate the tertiary structure: The tertiary structure of a protein is defined by the overall 3D arrangement of its secondary structures, including α-helices and β-sheets, but bacteriorhodopsin primarily consists of α-helices without significant β-sheets.
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