What is another word for tertiary structure?
Pronunciation: [tˈɜːʃjəɹɪ stɹˈʌkt͡ʃə] (IPA) 
Tertiary structure is a term used to describe the 3D structure of a protein molecule, which is formed by folding and twisting of the polypeptide chain. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe the tertiary structure of a protein. These include conformational structure, three-dimensional structure, globular structure, and native structure. Conformational structure refers to the unique shape a protein takes on, as determined by various factors such as the primary and secondary structure, solvent environment, temperature, and pH. Three-dimensional structure is a more general term to describe the organization of any molecule in space. Globular structure refers specifically to the spherical shape often taken on by proteins. Finally, native structure encompasses the unique 3D conformation a protein adopts under physiologic conditions.
