The amino acids of the protein keratin are arranged predominantly in an α helix. This secondary structure is stabilized by
A) covalent bonds.
B) peptide bonds.
C) ionic bonds.
D) polar bonds.
E) hydrogen bonds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The α helix structure of keratin is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the amino acid four residues away. These hydrogen bonds form a regular pattern, with each turn of the helix containing approximately 3.6 amino acid residues. The other answer choices do not play a significant role in stabilizing the α helix structure of keratin.

The Amino Acids of the Protein Keratin Are Arranged Predominantly