tertiary structure

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. the way in which the helixes or beta structures of a polypeptide are folded or arranged into a three-dimensional configuration.

tertiary structure

1. The three-dimensional structure of a protein or nucleic acid. Amino acids form secondary structures such as alpha helices, beta sheets, and random coils, which in turn fold on themselves to form the tertiary structure of the protein. Only if a protein is correctly folded will it have its intended biological activity. Several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and mad cow disease, are caused by alterations in the tertiary structure of one or more proteins.
2. See also primary structure

Word History and Origins

Origin of tertiary structure¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Thus, this model system reveals that an attractive interaction between alkyl C–H bonds and π networks can have a substantial role in the stabilization required for the tertiary structure of a polypeptide.

From Nature

On the other hand, their function in living systems is to act as a template to “communicate” how to construct amino acid sequences and ultimately the tertiary structure of proteins.

From Scientific American

The only reliable way to determine the secondary and tertiary structure of a protein molecule is to crystallize it and mathematically analyze the crystal's X-ray-diffraction pattern.

From Scientific American

Chemical methods can provide only a partial insight into this three-dimensional, or ‘tertiary’ structure.

From Scientific American