BRAINCAKESecondary Structure of Proteins
The secondary structure is the way a polypeptide chain coils or folds in regular patterns, held in place by hydrogen bonds between peptide links.
Each peptide link contains an N-H group and a C=O group. The δ+ H of an N-H is attracted to a lone pair on the δ− O of a C=O further along the chain or in a neighbouring section. These hydrogen bonds are between atoms of the backbone (the peptide links), not the side chains.
There are two main types:
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA
- Acid-Base Properties of Amino Acids
- Peptide Links
- Hydrolysis of Proteins
- Primary Structure of Proteins
- Tertiary Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Stereospecific Active Sites
- Drug Action and Enzyme Inhibitors
- Structure of DNA Nucleotides
All 15 lessons in Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics