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Do Proteins Have Hydrogen Bonds

On whether there are hydrogen bonds in proteins
Husband protein is the foundation of life. Its structure and function are related to the reproduction of organisms. As for whether there are hydrogen bonds in proteins, this is a key issue in the academic community.

The structure of the occult protein is polymerized from amino acids to form a polypeptide chain, which is then folded into a specific space shape. On the main chain of the polypeptide chain, nitrogen and oxygen atoms are rich in electrons, while the hydrogen atoms connected to nitrogen have a partial positive charge. This charge distribution prepares the conditions for the formation of hydrogen bonds.

In the secondary structure of proteins, the common α-helix and β-fold, and the hydrogen bond effect is significant. In the α-helix, the oxygen of the carbonyl group on the main chain of the polypeptide chain forms a hydrogen bond with the amide hydrogen separated by three peptide bonds, which stabilizes the helix structure. Each helix contains about 3.6 amino acid residues, and the hydrogen bond is roughly parallel to the helix axis. The stability of this structure is like the backbone of the house, supporting the specific morphology of the protein.

The β-fold also relies on hydrogen bonds to maintain. Two or more polypeptide chains that are almost fully extended aggregate laterally, and the carbonyl oxygen between the chains forms a hydrogen bond with the amide hydrogen. The existence of this hydrogen bond makes the β-fold structure like a tightly arranged sheet, endowing the protein with stability and flexibility.

Not only that, but hydrogen bonds are also indispensable in the tertiary structure of the protein. Amino acid side chains can form hydrogen bonds, further folding the polypeptide chain. For example, the hydroxyl group of serine and the amide group of asparagine can form hydrogen bonds, which help proteins form complex three-dimensional structures. This structure determines protein functions, such as the active center of enzymes, the binding check point of receptors and ligands, etc., all rely on hydrogen bonds to maintain their precise conformation.

In summary, hydrogen bonds widely exist in proteins. They play a key role in the stability of protein structures and the performance of functions. Without hydrogen bonds, the protein structure is easily scattered and the function will be out of order. This is the mystery of biochemistry and the key to exploring biological mechanisms.