Final answer:
The relationship between the structures of a protein and its function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A. The primary structure of the protein
The primary structure of a protein refers to the sequence of amino acids in the protein chain. It is determined by the order of the nitrogen-containing amino acid residues and the type of chemical bonds between them.
B. The higher structures of the protein
The secondary structure of a protein is formed by the hydrogen bonding between amino acids, resulting in the formation of alpha-helices and beta-sheets. The tertiary structure is the overall 3D shape of the protein, determined by interactions between amino acid side chains. The quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple protein subunits to form a functional protein complex.
C. The function of the protein
The function of a protein is determined by its structure. Each protein has a specific function that is directly related to its shape. For example, enzymes have active sites with specific shapes that allow them to bind to a substrate and catalyze chemical reactions.