You have just sequenced a new protein found in mice and observe that sulfur-containing cysteine residues occur at regular intervals. What is the significance of this finding?
A) Cysteine residues are required for the formation of α helices and β pleated sheets.
B) It will be important to include cysteine in the diet of the mice.
C) Cysteine residues are involved in disulfide bridges that help form tertiary structure.
D) Cysteine causes bends, or angles, to occur in the tertiary structure of proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cysteine residues can form covalent bonds with one another via disulfide bridges, which are important for stabilizing the tertiary structure of proteins. The regular intervals of cysteine residues suggest that they are involved in the formation of specific structural elements within the protein.

You Have Just Sequenced a New Protein Found in Mice