I've always simply assumed quaternary structure to be characterized by non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions and whatnot. However, if two distinct polypeptides were only connected by one covalent disulfide bridge, would this be considered as quaternary structure, assuming that non-covalent interactions between the subunits are either negligible or even repulsive?
In other words, can a disulfide bridge, on its own, convey quaternary structure?
On a side note, are there any notable examples of this type of interaction?
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