What is the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary structure of an enzyme?
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Kia ora!
Enzymes are particular types of proteins, and their structure can be considered on different levels. The function of the enzyme depends on its structure
The most basic level of structure is the primary structure - the linear sequence of amino acids (the polypeptide chain). The order of the amino acids in the chain is determined by the DNA sequence of the gene that codes for that polypeptide.
The secondary structure is made by folding of the polypeptide chain – the chain folds up and hydrogen bonds between the atoms of the polypeptide chain hold the structure together.
The tertiary structure is the 3D shape that is made when the secondary structure folds even more.
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