4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

Chemistry > Biomolecule > Structure of Proteins

Biomolecule

Structure of Proteins
Did you know, other than water, protein is the most abundant substance in your body? In fact, every single
cell of the human body consists of proteins. Proteins have a unique three-dimensional structure, which
allows it to perform its various functions. We shall now study the structure of proteins.

Suggested Videos

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 1/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

Classi cation of
Introduction to Monosaccharides Aldoses Introduction to Vitamins,
Biomolecules Hin and Ketoses Hin Classi cation Hin

Structure of Proteins

Proteins are what we call biological polymers (i.e. they occur naturally in nature). Now we previously learnt
that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. What this actually entails is that proteins are long
chain-like structure, with amino acids being the main ingredient.  These amino acids are connected together

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 2/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

with peptide bonds, and a few such bonds linking together form a polypeptide chain. Now one or more of
these polypeptide chains twist or fold spontaneously and a protein is formed.

The size of the proteins varies greatly. It actually depends on the number of polypeptide molecules it
contains. One of the smallest protein molecules is insulin, and the largest being Titin which consist of 34,350
amino acids.  Let us now look at the four types of protein structure that make up a protein molecule.

Browse more Topics under Biomolecule

Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides

Disaccharides

Polysaccharides

Amino Acids

Enzymes

Vitamins

Nucleic Acids

Structure of Nucleic Acids

1] Primary Protein Structure

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 3/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

The primary structure is the unique formation and order in which the amino acids (the building blocks)
combine and link to give us a protein molecule. Protein gets all its properties from its primary structure.

There are in all twenty amino acids in the human body. All of these have a carboxyl group and an amino
group. But each has a different variable group known as the “R” group. It is this R group that lends a
particular protein its unique structure.

Every protein is determined by the sequencing of the amino acids. The formation and ordering of these
amino acids in proteins are extremely specific. If we alter even one amino acid in the chain it results in a
non-functioning protein or what we call a gene mutation.

2] Secondary Protein Structure

After the sequencing of amino acids, we now move on to the secondary structure. This is when the peptide
backbone of the protein structure will fold onto itself, to give proteins their unique shape. This folding of the
polypeptide chains happens due to the interaction between the carboxyl groups along with the amine
groups of the peptide chains.

There are two kinds of shapes formed in the secondary structure. These are

α-helix: The backbone follows a helical structure. The hydrogen bonds with the oxygen between the
different layers of the helix, giving it this helical structure.

β-pleated sheet: here the polypeptide chains are stacked next to each other and their outer hydrogen

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 4/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

molecules form intramolecular bonds to give it this sheet-like structure

3] Tertiary Structures

This is the structure that gives protein the 3-D shape and formation. After the amino acids form bonds
(secondary structure) and shapes like helices and sheets, the structure can coil or fold at random. This is
what we call the tertiary structure of proteins. If this structure is disrupted or disturbed a protein is said to
be denatured which means it is chemically affected and its structure is distorted.

Search for a topic  LOGIN JOIN NOW

4] Quaternary Structure
LEARN EXAMS ASK NEWS
Finally, we come to the fourth structure. The spatial arrangement of two or more peptide chains leads to this
structure. It is important to note it is not necessary for proteins to have quaternary structures. Primary,
secondary and tertiary structures are present in all natural proteins, but the same is not true for quaternary
structure. Hence if a protein has only the first three structures it is considered to be a protein.

Solved Question for You

Q: The destruction of the biological nature and activity of proteins by heat or chemical agent is

a. Dehydration

b. deamination

c. denaturation

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 5/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

d. All of the above

Sol: The correct answer is option “C”. Denaturation of proteins is the disruption and even possibly the
destruction of both secondary and also tertiary structures of proteins.

Share with friends

Previous Next
Rural Livelihoods Preposition of Agency or Instrumentality

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in?

5 th 6 th 7 th 8 th

9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 6/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

GET STARTED

Get ready for all-new Live Classes!

Now learn Live with India's best teachers. Join courses with the
best schedule and enjoy fun and interactive classes.

Ashhar Firdausi Dr. Nazma Shaik Gaurav Tiwari

IIT Roorkee VTU APJAKTU
Biology Chemistry Physics

GET STARTED

BROWSE

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 7/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

Biomolecule

Vitamins Structure of Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids Structure of Proteins Enzymes Amino Acids

Carbohydrates Polysaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides

Leave a Reply

Start the discussion...

  Subscribe  

BROWSE
Biomolecule

Vitamins

Structure of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

Structure of Proteins
https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 8/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

Enzymes

Amino Acids

Carbohydrates

Polysaccharides

Disaccharides

Monosaccharides

Stuck with a

Question Mark?

Have a doubt at 3 am? Our experts are

available 24x7. Connect with a tutor
instantly and get your concepts
cleared in less than 3 steps.

REGISTER NOW

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 9/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples

Download the App

Watch lectures, practise questions and take tests on the go.

Download Previous Years QUESTION PAPERS

Quick TIPS AND TRICKS for Successful Exam Preparation

Download NCERT Notes and Solutions

Learn from VIDEO lectures

CLASSES BOARDS EXAMS

CLASS 5 CBSE MADHYA PRADESH JEE MAIN NEET NTSE

CLASS 6 ICSE MAHARASHTRA JEE ADVANCED AIIMS NSO

CLASS 7 IGCSE PUNJAB UPSEE AFMC NSTSE

CLASS 8 ANDHRA PRADESH RAJASTHAN BITSAT AP EAMCET KVPY

CLASS 9 BIHAR TAMIL NADU TS EAMCET COMEDK HBBVS

CLASS 10 GUJARAT TELANGANA WBJEE JIPMER IMO

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 10/11
4/15/2020 Structure of Proteins: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Structures, Examples
CLASS 11 JHARKHAND UTTAR PRADESH VITEEE BCECE IEO

CLASS 12 KARNATAKA MHT-CET KCET IJSO

CLASS 12+ KERALA SAT KEAM NDA

About Us • Press • Customer Stories • Jobs • Educators • Blog • Bytes • Contact Us • FAQs

Terms Of Service • Privacy Policy

https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/biomolecule/structure-of-proteins/ 11/11