Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Some proteins, such as hemoglobin, are formed from several polypeptides, and the interactions of these subunits form the quaternary structure of proteins.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

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

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

Prions appear to have a more complex quaternary structure.

From Nature ● Nov. 8, 2016

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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training