Final answer:
Each protein is unique due to its primary structure, which is the specific sequence of amino acids. This sequence dictates the protein's secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, ultimately determining its shape and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each protein has a unique molecule primarily due to the unique primary structure of each peptide chain. The primary structure refers to the specific sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. This sequence is significant because any change in the sequence could lead to a change in protein structure and function. Furthermore, the protein's secondary structure is formed by local folding due to hydrogen bonds between amino acids in the polypeptide chain, leading to configurations like the alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheet. The tertiary structure is a result of further folding and bonding, including interactions like hydrogen bonding and disulfide linkages, which give the protein its three-dimensional shape. Finally, when multiple polypeptides bind together, they create the quaternary structure of a protein, such as seen in hemoglobin.