Final answer:
The sequence of amino acids in a protein's primary structure dictates its higher-order structures and biological function, as demonstrated by the work of Nobel laureate Christian Anfinsen on ribonuclease enzyme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order and type of residues in the primary structure of a protein are crucial because they ultimately determine the protein's three-dimensional structure and function. The sequence of amino acids, linked by peptide bonds, impacts how the protein will fold into its secondary structure, such as α-helices and β-pleated sheets, and influences the overall tertiary structure.
This folding is guided by the chemical properties of the amino acid side chains, which can engage in various types of bonding and interactions. A well-documented illustration is Christian Anfinsen's work on the ribonuclease enzyme, which showed the direct relationship between primary structure and active site formation necessary for the enzyme's catalytic function.