Tertiary structure

Definition

Tertiary structure is the three-dimensional folding pattern of a protein due to side chain interactions. It determines the overall shape and function of the protein.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tertiary structure is stabilized by various interactions including hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
2. The tertiary structure is crucial for the biological activity of enzymes and other proteins.
3. Denaturation can disrupt the tertiary structure, leading to loss of protein function.
4. Proteins with similar tertiary structures often have similar functions even if their primary sequences differ.
5. Chaperone proteins assist in the proper folding of other proteins into their tertiary structures.

Review Questions

• What types of bonds and interactions stabilize the tertiary structure of a protein?
• How does denaturation affect a protein's tertiary structure?
• Why are chaperone proteins important for maintaining proper tertiary structures?

Related terms

Primary Structure:

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure:

Local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to hydrogen bonding.

Quaternary Structure:

The arrangement and interaction of multiple folded protein subunits in a multi-subunit complex.