disulfide bonds

Disulfide bonds are strong links that form between two sulfur atoms in proteins, specifically from amino acids called cysteines. These covalent bonds help fold and stabilize the protein’s three-dimensional structure, acting like molecular 'staples' that maintain the shape necessary for proper function. By linking different parts of a protein, disulfide bonds contribute to its stability, durability, and resistance to environmental changes, playing a crucial role in proteins such as enzymes, antibodies, and structural components.