Describe the structure of a protein and how it determines its function.

The primary structure of a protein consists of a sequence of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. This is known as a polypeptide chain, which undergoes the most basic level of folding in the shape of alpha helices and beta sheets. These are held together by hydrogen bonds. in the tertiary structure, there are three bonds between the R-groups of amino acids which gives the protein its 3d shape. These are hydrogen, ionic and disulfide bridges, and the position of these bonds determine the unique structure of the protein and give it a specific function.

KB

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How are electron microscopes (TEM) fundamentally different from light microscopes and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?


What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis in plants?


Describe how DNA is well-adapted to being a molecule for conserved information storage


How are action potentials transmitted across synapses?