LevelDescriptionBond TypeExampleAnalogy
PrimaryLinear sequence of amino acidsPeptide bondsInsulinBeads on a string
SecondaryCoiling or folding of chainHydrogen bondsAlpha helix, Beta sheetRibbon curl or paper fan
Tertiary3D shape of chainHydrogen, ionic, disulfideEnzymesYarn tangled into a ball
QuaternaryTwo or more chains joinedHydrogen, ionic, hydrophobicHemoglobinPuzzle pieces joined