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

See Examples For:

secondary structure

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 ● Feb. 23, 2024

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

One home and a secondary structure burned, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 13, 2022

The secondary structure is functional as it attains its 2-dimensional shape which has the necessary bonds.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

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 Van Tassel Sutphen