The field of biology that studies the three-dimensional and spatial description of biomolecules. Techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy are commonly used in structural biology studies. Determining the three-dimensional, or tertiary structure of a protein is important to proteomic research. Subtle changes in structure can affect the proper function of a protein, changing its activity, and even leading to its instability and destruction by the cell. See also Bioinformatics, Conformation, NMR, X-Ray Crystallography.