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Which level of protein structure is disrupted by reducing agents (breaking S-S bonds)?

Answer: Quaternary/Tertiary (disulfide bonds in tertiary structure).

  • A Quaternary/Tertiary (disulfide bonds in tertiary structure)
  • B Primary structure, since the amino acid sequence itself is cleaved
  • C Secondary structure, since the alpha-helix hydrogen bonds break
  • D Primary sequence, since the peptide backbone is hydrolysed

Correct answer: A. Quaternary/Tertiary (disulfide bonds in tertiary structure)

Explanation: Disulfide bonds (covalent S-S) contribute to tertiary and quaternary structure; reducing agents cleave them.

Peptide Bond Formation (Condensation)H₂N-CH(R₁)-C(=O)OHAmino acid 1+HNH-CH(R₂)-COOHAmino acid 2H₂N-CH(R₁)-CO-NH-CH(R₂)-COOHDipeptide+ H₂OThe -OH (from acid 1) and -H (from amine 2) combine to release water, forming the -CO-NH- peptide bond

Two amino acids join via a condensation reaction: the carboxyl -OH of one and an amine -H of the other are eliminated as water, leaving a peptide bond (-CO-NH-) linking them into a dipeptide; repeating this builds a full protein chain.

Concept context

The chemistry of life: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, and vitamins. Understand their structures, classification, and biological functions. Highly relevant for NEET and Class 12 board exams.

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