Which non-covalent interaction between tightly packed amino acid side chains in the interior of the protein is a major contributor to protein structure?
A)hydrogen bonding
B)electrostatic interactions
C)covalent ester bonding
D)van der Waals interactions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Van der Waals interactions between tightly packed amino acid side chains provide the major contribution to protein structure in the interior of the protein. These interactions arise from the fluctuations in electron density around atoms and are responsible for stabilizing the compact, folded conformation of proteins. Hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and covalent ester bonding can also contribute to protein structure, but are not as significant as van der Waals interactions in the tightly packed interior of the protein.

Which Non-Covalent Interaction Between Tightly Packed Amino Acid Side Chains