quaternary structure

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the basic structural relationship of the components of a polypeptide, specifically, the type, number, and sequence of amino acids and nucleotides in the chain.

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quaternary structure Scientific  

1. The structure that is formed by the joining together of two or more proteins or nucleic acids. The functions of the proteins and nucleic acids are only expressed correctly when they are joined together.

2. See also primary structure secondary structure tertiary structure

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Example Sentences

When two or more polypeptides combine to form the complete protein structure, the configuration is known as the quaternary structure of a protein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Prions appear to have a more complex quaternary structure.

From Nature • Nov. 8, 2016

The systematic production of high-titre prions from rPrP therefore probably requires a detailed knowledge of the quaternary structure of authentic ex vivo prions.

From Nature • Nov. 8, 2016

The polypeptide subunits forming a quaternary structure can be identical or different.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In nature, some proteins are formed from several polypeptides, also known as subunits, and the interaction of these subunits forms the quaternary structure.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013