“The Structure of Proteins”

Proteins are essential molecules made up of smaller units called amino acids, linked together in chains. Their structure has four levels: 1. **Primary**: the sequence of amino acids. 2. **Secondary**: localized shapes like spirals (alpha helices) or sheets (beta sheets) formed by hydrogen bonds. 3. **Tertiary**: the overall 3D shape of a single protein molecule, influenced by various interactions among the amino acids. 4. **Quaternary**: how multiple protein molecules interact and assemble into larger complexes. This intricate organization allows proteins to perform diverse functions crucial for life, including enzymes, hormones, and structural components.