This document discusses the different levels of protein structure:
- The primary structure is the linear sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. Hydrogen bonds form between amino acids, influencing secondary structure.
- Secondary structure includes alpha helices, beta pleated sheets, and beta turns - regular patterns formed by hydrogen bonds in the primary structure.
- Tertiary structure is the overall 3D shape of the folded polypeptide chain, influenced by interactions between amino acid side chains like hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bridges.
- Quaternary structure involves multiple polypeptide subunits that combine via hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces to form a single protein. Some proteins do not have quaternary