tertiary structure

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the way in which the helixes or beta structures of a polypeptide are folded or arranged into a three-dimensional configuration.

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tertiary structure Scientific  

1. The three-dimensional structure of a protein or nucleic acid. Amino acids form secondary structures such as alpha helices, beta sheets, and random coils, which in turn fold on themselves to form the tertiary structure of the protein. Only if a protein is correctly folded will it have its intended biological activity. Several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and mad cow disease, are caused by alterations in the tertiary structure of one or more proteins.

2. See also primary structure quaternary structure secondary structure

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Etymology

Origin of tertiary structure

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The primary chain forms secondary α-helix and β-pleated sheets which fold onto each other forming the tertiary structure.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The tertiary structure is functional as it has the non-covalent and covalent bonds along with the subunits attached at the right places, which help it function properly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Thus, this model system reveals that an attractive interaction between alkyl C–H bonds and π networks can have a substantial role in the stabilization required for the tertiary structure of a polypeptide.

From Nature • Mar. 28, 2017

The unique three-dimensional structure of a polypeptide is known as its tertiary structure.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Primarily, the interactions among R groups create the complex three-dimensional tertiary structure of a protein.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013