A polypeptide chain will fold differently due to the interactions (and hence the bonds that form) between R groups. The three-dimensional configuration that forms is called the tertiary structure of a protein
Each of the twenty amino acids that make up proteins has a unique R group and therefore many different interactions can occur creating a vast range of protein configurations and therefore functions
Within tertiary structured proteins are the following bonds:
Strong covalent disulphide
Weak hydrophobic interactions
Weak hydrogen
Ionic
The interactions that occur between the R groups of amino acids determines the shape and function of a protein. These interactions are found within tertiary structures of proteins
Disulphide
Disulphide bonds are strong covalent bonds that form between two cysteine R groups (as this is the only amino acid with an available sulphur atom in its R group)
These bonds are the strongest within a protein, but occur less frequently, and help stabilise the proteins
These are also known as disulphide bridges
Can be broken by oxidation
Disulphide bonds are common in proteins secreted from cells eg. insulin
Ionic
Ionic bonds form between positively charged (amine group -NH3+) and negatively charged (carboxylic acid -COO-) R groups
Ionic bonds are stronger than hydrogen bonds but they are not common
These bonds are broken by pH changes
Hydrogen
Hydrogen bonds form between strongly polar R groups. These are the weakest bonds that form but the most common as they form between a wide variety of R groups
Hydrophobic interactions
Hydrophobic interactions form between the non-polar (hydrophobic) R groups within the interior of proteins