Which of the Following Factors Tend to Destabilize α-Helices

Question

Which of the following factors tend to destabilize α-helices?
A) clusters of amino acids with bulky R-groups
B) clusters of amino acids with similarly charged R-groups
C) Both of these.
D) Neither of these

Accepted Answer

Both clusters of amino acids with bulky R-groups and clusters of amino acids with similarly charged R-groups tend to destabilize alpha-helices. Clusters of bulky R-groups create steric hindrance, making it difficult for the polypeptide chain to maintain the helical conformation. Clusters of similarly charged R-groups create electrostatic repulsion, also destabilizing the alpha helix.