Answer
Primary Structure: The backbone of a protein's structure, this consists of a linear sequence of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, forming the polypeptide chain.
Secondary: The twists or bends within the linear chain of amino acids. The two most common secondary structures are a coiling structure called an alpha helix and a ribbon-like structure called a beta pleated sheet.
Tertiary: Alpha helix or beta pleated regions of the protein fold in on one another to produce a compact ball-like, or globular molecule, maintained by covalent and hydrogen bonds .
Work Step by Step
All proteins have multiple levels of structure. The primary level is simply the sequence of amino acids bonded together. The secondary is the bends and folds in the chain of amino acids, producing alpha helixes and beta pleated sheets. The tertiary is the folding of these alpha helixes and beta pleated sheets to form a compact molecule. The quaternary structure occurs when two or more polypeptide chains aggregate in a regular manner.
