What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary - The sequence of amino acids in the Protein, defined by the DNA sequence coding for the protein. 

Secondary - Any folding or coiling within the protein which are stabilised by hydrogen bonds. The two main types are alpha helices and beta pleated sheets.

Tertiary - The final three dimensional structure of a single polypeptide/protein which is determined by non covalent interactions, such as di-sulphide bridges, ionic bonds, hydrophobic/philic attractions and others. 

Quarternary - the joining of multiple polypeptides in a protein with more than one polypeptide chain, such as haemoglobin. Not all proteins have a quarternary structure. 

TN
Answered by Theo N. Biology tutor

5331 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what are the seven necessary functions of a living organism


What are neurones?


A gene often has two alleles. One allele is dominant and the other allele is recessive. When is a recessive allele expressed as a characteristic?


How does a vaccine work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning