Disulfides (R–S–S–R′)

Definition

Disulfides are chemical compounds containing a pair of sulfur atoms linked together, attached to two different organic groups denoted R and R′. They are formed by the oxidation of thiols (sulfur-containing analogs of alcohols) and play a crucial role in stabilizing the structure of proteins by forming cross-links.

Related terms

Thiols: Organic compounds with a functional group composed of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, analogous to alcohols but with sulfur replacing oxygen.

Oxidation: A chemical reaction where electrons are lost from an atom or molecule, often involving the gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen, critical in the formation of disulfides from thiols.

Protein structure: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in an amino acid-chain molecule, including the formation of disulfide bonds that help stabilize the protein’s tertiary structure