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.

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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.

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Example Sentences

The researchers employed methanol vapor to modify the secondary structure of silkworm silk proteins, resulting in a nanofiber membrane with a hydrophobic outer surface.

From Science Daily

They also want to study if chemokines are pliable in their structure, which could indicate the ability to take on an entirely new secondary structure, adapting in response to different biological needs as required.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

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