What are the key stages of protein folding and how do they contribute to the overall structure and function of the protein?

Protein folding involves three key stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary structure formation. In the primary stage, amino acids sequence determines the protein's structure. Secondary structure involves folding into alpha helices or beta sheets. Tertiary structure is the final 3D shape, crucial for protein function. Proper folding ensures the protein can perform its specific biological role effectively.