Ionic bonds play a crucial role in the structure of proteins, contributing to their stability and function. These bonds form between positively and negatively charged ions, helping to establish the three-dimensional shapes of proteins which are essential for their biological activity. Ionic interactions can influence how proteins fold, react with ligands, and carry out their designated functions. Understanding the role of ionic bonds is fundamental in biochemistry, especially in areas such as drug design and understanding protein misfolding, which can lead to diseases.