Question

Explain why β sheets are less likely to form than α helices during the earliest stages of protein folding.

Short answer

The hydrogen bonds in$\mathrm{\alpha }$ sheets require less energy to stabilise because they are weaker than those in$\mathrm{\beta }$ sheets.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of protein folding

Protein folding is the process by which a polypeptide chain folds in its natural 3D form to become a physiologically active protein.

Step 2: Formation of β sheets is less likely than α helices

In a$\mathrm{\beta }$ sheet, two peptide bonds are required to produce one hydrogen bond, but in a$\mathrm{\alpha }$ helix, the hydrogen bond is formed once the three residues are fixed. Hence, formation of $\mathrm{\beta }$sheets is less likely than$\mathrm{\alpha }$ helices.