The tertiary structure of a protein is the
A) bonding together of several polypeptide chains by weak bonds.
B) order in which amino acids are joined in a polypeptide chain.
C) unique three-dimensional shape of the fully folded polypeptide.
D) organization of a polypeptide chain into an α helix or β pleated sheet.
E) overall protein structure resulting from the aggregation of two or more polypeptide subunits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tertiary structure of a protein refers to the unique three-dimensional shape that a fully folded polypeptide adopts. This shape arises from the interactions between the various R groups of the amino acids that make up the protein. The tertiary structure is important because it determines the overall function of the protein.

Answer: A, E
 A and E are both incorrect because they describe aspects of protein structure that are not related to the tertiary structure. B and D both refer to aspects of protein primary and secondary structure, respectively. C is the correct answer and refers to the tertiary structure of a protein.

The Tertiary Structure of a Protein Is the