Although van der Waals attractions are considered \"weak\", they do contribute s

Question

Although van der Waals attractions are considered "weak", they do contribute significantly to keeping a protein folded. Which of the following is NOT a reason for their significant contribution? A1. All atoms are capable of this interaction type, so there will be an extremely large number of them in a protein. A2. Atoms can be packed very close together in a folded protein, so the van der Waals attractions will be stronger than in an unfolded protein. A3. These attractions are much stronger in aqueous solution compared to the vacuum where bond energy measurements are performed. A4. It is unlikely that multiple weak interactions will randomly break at the same time. A5. All of the above are good reasons.

Explanation / Answer

The nonpolar side chains of the peptides in the protein core are so close together that short range van der Waals interactions make a significant contribution to stabilizing hydrophobic interactions.

The answer is atoms can be packed very close together in a folder protein, so the van der Waals attractions will be stronger than in an unfolded protein.

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