The initial bond formation in the covalent intermediate in the reaction catalyzed by chymotrypsin is between
A) serine and the carbonyl carbon in the peptide backbone
B) serine and the nitrogen in the peptide backbone
C) histidine and the carbonyl carbon in the peptide backbone
D) histidine and the nitrogen in the peptide backbone

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial bond formation in the covalent intermediate of the reaction catalyzed by chymotrypsin involves the serine residue's hydroxyl group attacking the carbonyl carbon of the substrate, forming a tetrahedral intermediate. This is a key step in the mechanism of chymotrypsin's proteolytic activity.

The Initial Bond Formation in the Covalent Intermediate in the Reaction