PROTEIN STRUCTURE Meaning and
Definition
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Protein structure refers to the arrangement and organization of amino acid chains within a protein molecule. A protein is a large and complex biomolecule composed of one or more polypeptide chains, which are made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain determines the primary structure of the protein.
Protein structure is essential for its function and can be categorized into four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. The primary structure is the linear sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. The secondary structure is formed by hydrogen bonding between neighboring amino acids, resulting in alpha-helices or beta-sheets. The tertiary structure refers to the three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide chain, driven by interactions between distant amino acid residues. These interactions can include hydrogen bonding, disulfide bridges, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic attractions. Finally, the quaternary structure is the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) in a functioning protein complex.
The precise folding and organization of a protein's structure are crucial for its stability, activity, and interactions with other molecules. Any disruption or alteration in protein structure can lead to loss of function or dysfunction, potentially resulting in diseases known as proteinopathies. Understanding protein structure is fundamental in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, as it provides insights into protein function, enzymatic activity, ligand binding, and drug design.
Common Misspellings for PROTEIN STRUCTURE
- orotein structure
- lrotein structure
- 0rotein structure
- peotein structure
- pdotein structure
- pfotein structure
- ptotein structure
- p5otein structure
- p4otein structure
- pritein structure
- prktein structure
- prltein structure
- prptein structure
- pr0tein structure
- pr9tein structure
- prorein structure
- profein structure
- progein structure
- proyein structure
- pro6ein structure
Etymology of PROTEIN STRUCTURE
The etymology of the word "protein" can be traced back to the Greek word "proteios", meaning "primary" or "of prime importance". It was coined by the Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder in 1838 to describe a class of complex nitrogenous organic compounds found in living organisms.
The term "structure" originated from the Latin word "structura", meaning "a fitting together, arrangement, or mode of building". It later entered the English language in the 17th century. In the context of protein, structure refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms and amino acid residues that compose the protein molecule.
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