primary structure

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Pronunciation

/ˈpraɪ mɛr I ˈstrʌk tʃər/

Part of Speech

noun

Definition

The exact specification of a molecule's atomic composition and the chemical bonds containing those atoms. In the case of a polypeptide or nucleic acid, primary structure is the precise sequence of monomeric units (amino acids & nucleotides respectively).

Etymology

Latin, from prīmārius & structūra

primary structure
Accepted term: 19-Feb-2016