What is the primary structure of a protein?

The primary structure of a protein refers to the specific sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. This sequence is crucial as it determines the unique characteristics and functions of the protein. The order of amino acids dictates how the protein will fold into its secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, ultimately leading to a functional protein.

The individual amino acids are connected in a linear chain through peptide bonds, which are formed via a dehydration synthesis reaction. This linear arrangement creates the foundational structure upon which all other levels of protein structure are built. Therefore, understanding the primary structure is fundamental to fields such as biochemistry and molecular biology, as it lays the groundwork for explaining how proteins work in biological systems.