Final answer:
A protein's secondary structure refers to the twisting, spiral shape formed by the sequence and chemical properties of its amino acids. This can include alpha helices and beta sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonding. These structures are essential for the overall three-dimensional structure of proteins and their function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A protein's secondary structure refers to the twisting, spiral shape formed by the sequence and chemical properties of its amino acids. One common type of secondary structure is the alpha helix, where the amino acids adopt a spiral shape and are stabilized by hydrogen bonding.
Another type is the beta sheet, where the amino acids line up side by side. These secondary structures play a crucial role in the overall three-dimensional structure of proteins and are important for their function.