Question

Schematically represent primary, secondary and tertiary structures of a hypothetical polymer say for example a protein.

Answer 1

Primary structure of proteins

The primary structure of proteins is represented by a straight chain of amino acids with the adjacent monomers (amino acids) linked by peptide bonds. The chain of amino acids formed have one N-terminal and one C-terminal end.



Secondary structure of proteins

Linear chain of amino acids folds upon itself due to formation of hydrogen bonds between some atoms in the chain.
As a result, secondary structures are formed.

There are two major types of secondary structures of protein: $\alpha$ helix and $\beta$ pleated sheet.



Tertiary structure of proteins

• Tertiary structure of proteins is a 3-D folding of polypeptide chain in which a protein folds upon itself like a hollow woolen ball due to the side chain interactions.
• This is formed due to the formation of many bonds like disulphide bonds, hydrophobic interactions, Van der Waal interactions etc.
• It is very important for all the biological activities of proteins like enzyme activity.