An insoluble form of a prion protein accumulates
In the brains of patients who have CreutzfeldtJakob disease, CJD. Conversion of the normal
Soluble form of the prion protein to the pathologic
Insoluble form is thought to involve conversion
Of α-helices to β-pleated sheets. In order for this
Structural transition to occur, which of the following is most likely disrupted and reformed?
A) disulfide bonds
B) hydrogen bonds
C) peptide bonds
D) salt bridges
E) zinc fingers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conversion from α-helices to β-pleated sheets involves the disruption and reformation of hydrogen bonds, which are crucial in maintaining these secondary structures.  The α-helix and β-sheet structures in proteins result from the formation of hydrogen bonds between the amide hydrogen of one peptide bond and an adjacent carbonyl oxygen in another peptide bond. For an α-helix to convert into a β-sheet it is required that the hydrogen bonds holding the structure together be broken and then a different series of hydrogen bonds need to form to generate the β-sheet structure.

An Insoluble Form of a Prion Protein Accumulates