Tertiary structure
Tertiary Structure
The Tertiary Structure (pronunciation: /ˈtɜːr.ʃi.er.i ˈstrʌk.tʃər/) is the third level of protein structure, characterized by the three-dimensional arrangement of the amino acid residues that are far apart in the linear sequence and the pattern of disulfide linkages.
Etymology
The term "Tertiary Structure" is derived from the Latin word "Tertius" which means "third", indicating its position in the hierarchy of protein structures.
Definition
The Tertiary Structure of a protein is the full three-dimensional structure of the arrangements of atoms found within the polypeptide chain, this structure is the final geometric shape that protein assume and would be the highest level structure that a protein can attain. The Tertiary Structure is primarily due to interactions between the side chains of the amino acids that make up the protein.
Related Terms
- Primary Structure: The sequence of amino acids in a protein.
- Secondary Structure: The local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to interactions between atoms of the backbone.
- Quaternary Structure: The structure formed by several protein molecules (polypeptide chains), usually called protein subunits in this context, which function as a single protein complex.
- Protein Folding: The physical process by which a protein chain acquires its native 3-dimensional structure.
- Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- Polypeptide: A single linear chain of amino acids in a protein.
- Disulfide Linkages: Covalent bonds that stabilize the tertiary structure of many proteins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tertiary structure
- Wikipedia's article - Tertiary structure
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