Structures of a protein

Question 1

Define what a protein is

Answer 1

a protein is a molecule made up of amino acids that helps regulate the functionality of the human body

Question 2

Describe the primary structure of the protein

Answer 2

A linear sequence composed of amino acids that are joined together by peptide bonds, to creating a polypeptide chain

Question 3

Describe the secondary structure of the protein

Answer 3

Amino acids (polypeptides) are stabilised by hydrogen bonding, which creates regular patterns of folding of the protein backbone

Question 4

Describe the tertiary structure of the protein

Answer 4

The overall structure of the polypeptide chain which is in a 3D shape.

Question 5

Describe the quartenary structure of the protein

Answer 5

Macro structures that are composed of multiple subunits of proteins

Question 6

Give an example

Answer 6

An example is haemoglobin which consist of two beta chains and 2 alpha chains

• the pigment in our blood