Primary structure

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009451",
  "term": "Primary structure",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The linear sequence of monomer units in a polymer, specifically referring to the order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain or nucleotides in a nucleic acid. This sequence is determined by covalent bonds and dictates the higher-order structures and biological function of the macromolecule. It is typically represented from the N-terminus to the C-terminus for proteins.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "macromolecule",
    "proteins",
    "quaternary structure",
    "secondary structure",
    "sequence",
    "tertiary structure",
    "polypeptides"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2193. 'Basic terminology of stereochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2213 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122193)",
    "White Book, 2nd ed., p. 80 (https://iupac.qmul.ac.uk/bibliog/white.html)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/primary-structure/"
}