MDCAT Biology MCQ #973

During the folding of a polypeptide into an alpha-helix, which mechanism stabilizes this specific secondary structure?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #973

  1. Question 1

    Q1. During the folding of a polypeptide into an alpha-helix, which mechanism stabilizes this specific secondary structure?

    • A) Hydrogen bonding between the backbone CO and NH groups
    • B) Hydrogen bonding between polar R-groups of amino acids
    • C) Covalent bonding between adjacent alpha carbons
    • D) Van der Waals forces between non-polar side chains

    Answer: Hydrogen bonding between the backbone CO and NH groups

    Explanation: Alpha-helices are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the NH and CO groups of the polypeptide backbone, not the R-groups.