Question:

Which amino acid is responsible for forming disulfide bridges in a protein structure?

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Two cysteine residues → Oxidation → Disulfide bond (S–S)
Updated On: Mar 15, 2026
  • Glycine
  • Cysteine
  • Lysine
  • Alanine
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Proteins are stabilized by several types of chemical interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds. These disulfide bonds are important for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of proteins.
Step 1:Understanding disulfide bridges.
A disulfide bridge (–S–S–) is a covalent bond formed between two sulfur atoms of amino acids.
Step 2:Identifying the amino acid involved.
The amino acid cysteine contains a sulfhydryl group (–SH). When two cysteine residues come close together during protein folding, their sulfhydryl groups oxidize and form a disulfide bond.
Step 3:Role in protein structure.
Disulfide bonds help stabilize:
  • Tertiary protein structure
  • Quaternary protein structure
  • Extracellular proteins such as antibodies and hormones
Conclusion:
Therefore, the amino acid responsible for forming disulfide bridges is cysteine.
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