topic 7: proteins

unit one

primary structure

The unique, linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

Localized, repetitive folding and coiling of the peptide backbone.

Tertiary Structure

The overall, comprehensive three-dimensional shape of a single protein molecule.

Quaternary Structure

The arrangement of two or more folded polypeptide chains—called subunits—working together as one complex unit.

protein

large macromolecules built from amino acid monomers that perform diverse functions vital to life

amino acid

the monomer building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R-group. [1]