User:Tommie Hata/Protein Structure Tutorial
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Lysozyme, PDB ID 2lyz
Amino acids and primary structure
Proteins are polymers of amino acids. The "backbone" of the protein is made up of carbons and nitrogens. The amino acid sidechain extends out of the backbone. Here, the backbone is colored in CPK coloring and the sidechains are colored green. The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide is referred to as its "primary structure".
Interactions between the protein backbone: secondary structure
Hydrogen bonds between backbone amide and carboxyl groups maintain some local structural characteristics referred to as secondary structure. Two common types of secondary structure are the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_helices alpha helices] and the beta pleated sheet. Here, alpha helices are colored red and beta pleated sheets colored blue in a "ribbons" display.
3D structure of a protein maintained by interactions between amino acid sidechains: tertiary structure
The overall shape of a protein is maintained by the interaction between amino acid sidechains. The distribution of these sidechains across the protein (the primary structure) is largely responsible for determining tertiary structure.
Types of tertiary interactions
Ionic Interactions Ionic Interactions with surface
