Proteins
We generally tend to think of proteins only from a dietary lens, as a component of what we eat. However, they are among the most important and abundant organic macromolecules in the human body, with diverse structures and functions. Every cell contains thousands and thousands of proteins, each with specific functions. Some help in the formation of cellular membrane or walls, some help the cell to move, others act as messages or signals and flow seamlessly from one cell to another, carrying information.
Protein Expression
The method by which living organisms synthesize proteins and further modify and regulate them is called protein expression. Protein expression plays a significant role in several types of research and is highly utilized in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein research laboratories.
The number of distinct protein folds in limited. Why might this be so?
Protein folding is the physical process by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three dimensional conformations. The correct three-dimensional structure is essential to protein function. Failure to fold into native structures produces inactive proteins. A protein molecule folds spontaneously during or after biosynthesis. However, the process also depends on the nature of solvent, the concentration of salts, the temperature and the presence of molecular chaperones.
The amino acid sequence of a protein determines its native conformation. So there may be endless numbers of potential three dimensional forms that the protein could fold into randomly, but there are only limited numbers of right conformation by distinct protein folding.
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