Final answer:
The primary structure of a protein is the sequence of amino acids, crucial for its shape and function, and is encoded by genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary structure of a protein is the amino acid sequence. This refers to the specific order in which amino acids are linked to form the polypeptide chain(s), which is critical for determining the protein's eventual shape and function. During protein synthesis, the amino acids are connected by peptide linkages in a condensation reaction, forming a chain with a repetitive C-N-C-N backbone structure, where each protein has a unique amino acid sequence encoded by its genes. This sequence dictates the higher levels of protein structure, including secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.