Structure of Proteins

[andy456]

My teacher explained today but I didn't quite understand the difference between secondary and tertiary structure.
Can anyone explain for me? 

[crayolé]

Secondary structure involves hyrdogen bonding between amino acids to form alpha helices, beta sheets and random coils.

Tertiary structure is the overall specific shape and gives the protein its function/active site. It is formed from hydrogen bonding, disulfide bridges, salt bridges between different Z-groups

[vexx]

yeah basically what crayola said.
another definition if you want:

secondary structure refers to the type of shape created by the coiling of the polypeptides (polymers of amino acids) due to hydrogen bonds at regular intervals.
tertiary refers to the overall 3D shape created by the interaction between atoms of variable groups of the amino acids.

[Mao]

You guys have the right idea, but not the best terminology.

Secondary structure is caused by hydrogen bonding between amide groups [or peptide groups, either one is fine], it creates shapes explained above. The hydrogen bonding is not between amino acids, and not necessarily at regular intervals.

Tertiary structure is caused by interaction between Z-groups, you can have covalent interaction (disulfide bridges), ionic interaction (usually acid/base reaction), hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, etc. "Salt bridge" is not correct terminology.