The helical structure of protein is stabilized by

Options

A. Dipeptide bonds
B. Hydrogen bonds
C. Ether bonds
D. Peptide bonds

Answer

To determine how the helical structure of proteins is stabilized, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Proteins
Proteins are made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. The sequence and interactions of these amino acids lead to various structural formations, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

**Hint:** Recall that proteins are polymers of amino acids and their structure is hierarchical.

### Step 2: Identify the Secondary Structure
The helical structure in proteins is specifically referred to as the alpha helix, which is one of the secondary structures of proteins. This structure is characterized by a right-handed coil.

**Hint:** Focus on the types of secondary structures in proteins, particularly the alpha helix and beta sheets.

### Step 3: Recognize the Role of Hydrogen Bonds
The stability of the alpha helix is primarily due to hydrogen bonds. In an alpha helix, the carbonyl oxygen (C=O) of one amino acid forms a hydrogen bond with the amide hydrogen (N-H) of another amino acid that is four residues earlier in the sequence.

**Hint:** Remember that hydrogen bonds form between electronegative atoms and hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms.

### Step 4: Visualize the Hydrogen Bonding
In the alpha helix, the carbonyl oxygen atoms point in one direction and the amide hydrogens point in the opposite direction, allowing for the formation of hydrogen bonds that stabilize the helical structure.

**Hint:** Drawing a diagram can help visualize how the hydrogen bonds form between different parts of the protein chain.

### Step 5: Conclude the Stabilizing Forces
Thus, the helical structure of proteins is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl oxygen and the amide hydrogen atoms of the amino acids in the chain.

**Hint:** Consider the types of bonds that stabilize different structures in proteins, focusing on hydrogen bonds for secondary structures.

### Final Answer:
The helical structure of proteins is stabilized by hydrogen bonds.