Question

Why are antiparallel beta-sheets more stable?

Answer 1

Antiparallel beta-sheets:

• In the antiparallel conformation, the polypeptide chains run alternately in opposite directions.
• The alignment of the polypeptide chain is in such a way that the N-terminal of each peptide chain is aligned head to head or tail to tail or the N-terminal of one chain and C-terminal of other chain are on the same side.

Antiparallel beta-sheets are more stable because of the more optimum hydrogen bonding structure, antiparallel beta-sheets are known to be slightly more stable than parallel beta-sheets.