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