Protein Structure

Primary structure of a protein refers to the sequence of amino acids. The amino acids are connected by peptide bonds which form during the condensation reaction.
Secondary structure refers to the initial folding of the polypeptide chain due to hydrogen bonding. The most common forms are the alpha helix and beta pleated sheet.
The tertiary structure of a protein refers to the further folding of the polypeptide chain into a specific three-dimensional shape. This structure is maintained by various types of chemical bonds and interactions such as disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonds.
Quaternary structure refers to complex proteins formed by the association of more than one polypeptide chain. Each polypeptide in a protein with a quaternary structure is known as a subunit of that protein.
Protein structures can be altered or denatured by factors such as changes in temperature, pH, and exposure to chemicals. When proteins denature, they lose their functional shape and their ability to perform their biological function is compromised.
Knowledge of the intricate structure of proteins is key to understanding how they function in biological systems.