Secondary level refers to the organization or folding patterns that occur within segments (alpha helices or beta pleated sheets) of polypeptide chains. It is responsible for the local three-dimensional structure of a protein.
Related terms
Primary level of protein structure: The linear sequence or order of amino acids within a polypeptide chain.
Tertiary level of protein structure: The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein, formed by interactions between different regions (secondary structures) of the polypeptide chain.
Quaternary level of protein structure: The arrangement and interaction of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional protein complex.
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