quaternary structure

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

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