Conformation

In biochemistry, the conformation of a protein is its tertiary or (in the case of proteins composed of more than one subunit) quaternary structure. "Conformation" is often used when a protein has more than one native state. A transition from one native state to another is known as a conformational change. Such changes are the means by which many enzymes and other nonstructural proteins function and undergo regulation.

In dog breeding and competition, a dog's conformation is how well the dog conforms in appearance to standards published for a specific breed.