Which interaction holds the α-helix and the β-pleated sheet into its unique folding pattern? A) covalent bonding between cysteines (-CH₂SH) B) hydrogen bonding between serines (-CH₂OH) C) hydrogen bonding between nitrogens and oxygens in the polypeptide backbone D) ionic bonding between acidic and basic amino acid side chains E) hydrophilic interactions

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The α-helix and β-pleated sheet structures in proteins are primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl oxygen and amide hydrogen in the polypeptide backbone, not between side chains. This allows these structures to form in many different sequences of amino acids.

Which Interaction Holds the α-Helix and the β-Pleated Sheet into Its