quaternary structure

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. the basic structural relationship of the components of a polypeptide, specifically, the type, number, and sequence of amino acids and nucleotides in the chain.

quaternary structure

1. The structure that is formed by the joining together of two or more proteins or nucleic acids. The functions of the proteins and nucleic acids are only expressed correctly when they are joined together.
2. See also primary structure

Example Sentences

SWISS-MODEL: modelling protein tertiary and quaternary structure using evolutionary information.

From Nature

The systematic production of high-titre prions from rPrP therefore probably requires a detailed knowledge of the quaternary structure of authentic ex vivo prions.

From Nature

Prions appear to have a more complex quaternary structure.

From Nature

As found previously, a human antibody specific for the related West Nile virus binds to a similar quaternary structure, suggesting that this could be an immunodominant epitope.

From Science Magazine