Final answer:
The collagen protein has a triple helix structure that provides strength and elasticity, aiding in bone formation with calcium. Collagen's secondary triple helical structure is critical to its function in connective tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The triple helix molecular structure is characteristic of the collagen protein, which collaborates with calcium to build and support bone structure. Collagen's primary structure is a sequence of amino acids that intertwine to form the secondary structure known as the triple helix.
The higher structures of collagen, such as tertiary and quaternary structure, include a mix of α-helices, β-pleated sheets, and random coil elements, but the most notable is the triple-helical secondary structure, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
These structures are remarkably efficient at providing mechanical strength and structural integrity. Collagen's function is predominantly structural, as it provides tensile strength to various tissues and plays an indispensable role in bone formation by working alongside calcium.