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

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 • Jan. 30, 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

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