What Maintains the Secondary Structure of a Protein

Question

What maintains the secondary structure of a protein?
A)peptide bonds
B)hydrogen bonds between the amino group of one peptide bond and the carboxyl group of another peptide bond
C)disulphide bonds
D)hydrophobic interactions
E)hydrogen bonds between the R groups

Accepted Answer

The secondary structure of a protein is maintained by hydrogen bonds between the amino group of one peptide bond and the carboxyl group of another peptide bond. These hydrogen bonds form between the backbone atoms of the polypeptide chain, specifically between the carbonyl group of one amino acid residue and the amino group of another amino acid residue. This gives rise to the characteristic alpha-helices and beta-sheets that are important for the stability and function of many proteins.