In Interactions Between Proteins, Each Hydrogen Bond Contributes to the Free

Multiple Choice

In interactions between proteins, each hydrogen bond contributes to the free energy of binding by about -4 kJ/mole. If two proteins bind to each other through nine hydrogen bonds, six of which are eliminated when one of these proteins is mutated, how much would you expect the equilibrium constant for their binding to change as a result of the mutation? (ΔG° = -5.9 × log Kₑq)

A) Increase sixfold
B) Decrease fourfold
C) Decrease by six orders of magnitude
D) Increase 1 million-fold
E) Decrease by four orders of magnitude