Cysteine and Protein Structure

Medium Biochemistry Amino Acids And Proteins

In proteins, amino acids are linked by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains. Each amino acid contains both an amino group and a carboxyl group, which allows them to undergo various modifications and participate in metabolic pathways. One amino acid, cysteine, is known for its ability to form disulfide bonds, which play a significant role in the stabilization of protein structures. Considering the characteristics of amino acids and their role in protein structure, which of the following statements is true regarding cysteine?

Cysteine contains a sulfhydryl (-SH) group that can form covalent bonds with other cysteine residues.

Cysteine is classified as a nonpolar amino acid due to its hydrophobic side chain.

Cysteine cannot be involved in hydrogen bonding with other amino acids in a protein.

Cysteine is essential in the diet and cannot be synthesized by the human body.

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