secondary structure

noun

, Biochemistry.

the arrangement of a polypeptide into a regular alpha helix, beta structure, or random coil configuration by the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds along the length of the chain.

secondary structure

The protein structure characterized by folding of the peptide chain into an alpha helix, beta sheet, or random coil.
See also primary structure
The folded, helical structure of double-stranded DNA.

The medullary shell is usually to be regarded as a primary, the cortical as a secondary structure.

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