What is the difference between secondary and tertiary protein structure?

Secondary: localised folding within the polypeptide chain that is stabilised by hydrogen bonds. The most common secondary protein structures are alpha helices and beta sheets. Tertiary: this is the final form the protein takes once the different secondary structures have all folded into a 3D structure. This final shape forms and is held together through ionic interaction, disulphide bridges and van de Waals forces. 

EW
Answered by Emma W. Biology tutor

18606 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the cell cycle


What are the advantages of animals eating excess food and putting on weight for winter?


How does pH affect the rate of reaction on an enzyme?


What are stable ecosystems? Can you give an example?


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