Final answer:
The local structure of proteins refers to the specific arrangement of amino acids in a small region of the protein, known as the secondary structure. These local structures, such as alpha helices or beta sheets, play a crucial role in the protein's overall shape and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local structure of proteins refers to the specific arrangement of amino acids in a small region of the protein. It is one of the levels of protein structure known as the secondary structure. The secondary structure of a protein is formed by the folding of the polypeptide chain into regular patterns, such as alpha helices or beta sheets. These local structures play a crucial role in the protein's overall shape and function.