Biology / Unit 1 Bio 0214 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Protein Tertiary and Quaternary Structure
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The idea
A protein's tertiary structure is the shape one folded chain takes on; its quaternary structure is the arrangement when multiple chains join into one protein.
In practice
Hemoglobin's tertiary structure is the shape of one chain; quaternary structure is four folded chains joined as one molecule.
Where people slip
Not every protein has a quaternary structure — only those with more than one chain reach that level.
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