Which attractive force is responsible for maintaining the tertiary structure of a protein?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given choices contribute to maintaining the tertiary structure of a protein. The disulfide linkages form covalent bonds between cysteine residues, which stabilize the structure. Hydrogen bonds form between polar groups in the protein backbone and side chains, and also between water molecules and polar groups on the protein surface. Van der Waals forces involve weak interactions between nonpolar side chains, and help to pack the protein core tightly. Hydrophobic interactions involve the exclusion of nonpolar side chains from water, leading to their clustering together in the protein core, which also helps to stabilize the structure.

Which Attractive Force Is Responsible for Maintaining the Tertiary Structure