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Multiple Choice
The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide is called its __________.
A
double helix
B
primary structure
C
secondary structure
D
quaternary structure
E
tertiary structure
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the levels of protein structure: Proteins have four levels of structure - primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.
Define primary structure: This is the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, held together by peptide bonds.
Define secondary structure: This involves local folding of the polypeptide chain into structures such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
Define tertiary structure: This is the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, formed by interactions between the side chains (R groups) of the amino acids.
Define quaternary structure: This level of structure occurs when multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) come together to form a functional protein complex.