(Image from: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=199725)
Main roles of proteins:
Structure Level | What is it? |
Primary | Sequencing of the amino acids (order which is determined by DNA) |
Secondary | Formation of the alpha helices and beta pleated sheets through the interactions between the C=O and N-H groups of adjacent amino acids.
Hydrogen bonds is what maintains the two structures that form. |
Tertiary | This is what gives the protein its final 3D shape. The interactions that happen here are crucial to the function of the protein. This structure arises through the interaction between the R groups of different amino acids.
Bonds such as hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions dispersion forces, disulfide bridge etc… can exist that maintains this structure. |
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