secondary structure

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the arrangement of a polypeptide into a regular alpha helix, beta structure, or random coil configuration by the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds along the length of the chain.

---

secondary structure Scientific  

1. The protein structure characterized by folding of the peptide chain into an alpha helix, beta sheet, or random coil.

2. See also primary structure quaternary structure tertiary structure

3. The folded, helical structure of double-stranded DNA.

---