Answer to Question #348028 in General Chemistry for Han

Question

Describe the different levels of protein structure in detail.

Answer 1

Primary protein structure is a polypeptide chain consisting of aminoacids. Primary structure is more of a formal structure, just a sequence of the aminoacids. Secondary structure of the protein is a space oriented primary structure or three-dimensional form. It is formed by hydrogen bonding which results in two types of secondary structures: alpha helix and beta pleated sheet. Overall 3d structure of proteins is a tertiary one made by hydrophobic interactions and covalent bonding. If few polypeptide chains (so called subunits) interact with each other, they produce a quaternary structure.