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.

---

Example Sentences

Through self-assembly of these oligomers, the researchers successfully created artificial proteins with a stable α-helix secondary structure.

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

A state forestry spokesperson said one secondary structure has been destroyed, but no injuries have been reported.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

To test this, the experimenters created several different libraries of various amino acids combinations and then screened them for two things: their solubility and secondary structure propensities.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2023

These predictions were checked manually for RNA secondary structure.

From Nature • Dec. 25, 2016

On the left, as Constans faced, an enclosed vestibule led to a secondary structure, which probably contained the domestic offices and servants' quarters.

From The Doomsman by Sutphen, Van Tassel