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Multiple Choice
What are the four levels of protein structure?
A
Primary, secondary, tertiary, and pentary
B
Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary
C
Primary, secondary, tertiary, and hexary
D
Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quinary
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding that proteins are complex molecules essential for various biological functions, and their structure is crucial for their function.
The primary structure of a protein is the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. This sequence is determined by the genetic code and is linked by peptide bonds.
The secondary structure refers to the local folding of the polypeptide chain into structures such as alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
The tertiary structure is the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, formed by interactions between the side chains of the amino acids, including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
The quaternary structure is the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains into a single functional protein complex. This level of structure is stabilized by the same types of interactions as the tertiary structure.