Protein Structure (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary) Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Protein Structure (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary)

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

Protein structure is hierarchical: primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (α-helices, β-sheets stabilized by hydrogen bonds), tertiary (3D folding due to R-group interactions), and quaternary (subunit assembly). Each level is critical for protein function (enzymatic activity, transport, signaling). Misfolding can result in diseases (e.g., prion disorders). Elucidating protein structure aids drug design and understanding biological mechanisms.