What is the overall importance of the protein structure??
Primary structure is the amino acid sequence. Secondary structure indicates how the segments of the protein are folding, ie helices, beta sheets, random coils, etc. Tertiary structure indicates how the secondary structure within a protein interacts, it dictates the overall 3D structure of a given protein sequence. Quaternary structure tells you how different individual protein sequences interact, ie alpha and beta subunits of a protein.
Proteins is essential to life. Its functions depend greatly on its structure. A slight difference in its structure can lead to deleterious effects. The primary structure is very important because it dictates how the protein will fold to achieve the functional conformation. It also contains information needed for post-translational modification e.g. removal of inteins. A single mutation can lead to a serious genetic defect e.g. sickle cell anemia. The secondary structure, on one hand, describes important motif which may be essential part of a binding or active site. They may confer the protein selectivity. Collection of secondary structure completes the tertiary structure. The tertiary structure as important as the primary structure. The protein in this level is considered functional. It coordinates active site to allosteric sites.In enzymes, it forms crevices essential for catalysis. The quaternary structure confers cooperativity. It coordinates tertiary strcuture to function properly.
primary is just linear not really used for structure secondary is arrayed in swilis and twists and is used in muscle structure ie: actin myosin in muscle cells tertiary is the main structural component it takes a 3D shape and is used for example in holding DNA structurally together in chromosomes quanternary is the same as tertiary cept with a inorganic group in it somewhere like heme iron group which is used for hemoglobin in blood thats the only quant used in humans
