The overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges.
The polypeptide folds into a compact shape with hydrophobic residues buried and hydrophilic ones exposed. It is stabilised by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals forces and covalent disulfide bridges.
The shape forms binding sites in enzymes and receptors. Domains are semi-independent folded regions.
The overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges.
Tertiary Structure is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Amino Acids, Quaternary Structure, ATP Structure and Function.
Myoglobin folds to hold a haem group that binds oxygen in muscle.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Tertiary Structure. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Tertiary Structure are Amino Acids, Quaternary Structure, ATP Structure and Function, Denaturation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Tertiary Structure. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Tertiary Structure: The overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges. Amino Acids: Twenty building blocks, each with an amino group, a carboxyl group and a variable side chain. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Amino Acids and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Twenty building blocks, each with an amino group, a carboxyl group and a variable side chain.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryThe arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits into one functional protein, such as haemoglobin.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryAdenosine triphosphate stores energy in its phosphate bonds and acts as the universal energy currency of cells.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryLoss of a protein's native shape from heat, pH or chemicals, which destroys its function.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry