disulfide bridges
What disulfide bridges means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of disulfide bridges
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain disulfide bridges in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Covalent bonds between the sulfur-containing R groups of two cysteine residues, far stronger than the other two, so proteins rich in them resist heat and pH change.
Bonds that hold the polypeptide chains of the antibody together.
Topics that use disulfide bridges
- Cell recognition and the immune system (AQA A-Level)
- General properties of proteins (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- active immunity
- active sites and binding sites
- agglutination
- amino acids
- animal use in production and testing
- antibody
- antigen
- antigen-antibody complex
Using disulfide bridges in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge