The distribution of direct interactions in the spatial structures of globular proteins

The hydrogen bond distributions in 123 protein structures with the atom coordinates established at a resolution of less than 2 A were analyzed. The peculiarities of hydrogen bond distributions with respect to the lengths and remoteness of contacting residues in the primary structure were established. A hierarchy of H-bond energy distribution in the spatial structure of protein globules was demonstrated. The role of hydrogen bonds in the formation of domain structure and their special properties in proteins with different types of secondary structure are discussed.