Proper folding of proteins is essential for their biological activity. In general, the functional conformation of a protein is the conformation with lowest energy. This means that if an unfolded protein is allowed to reach equilibrium, it should assemble automatically into its native, functioningfolded state. Why then is there a need for molecular chaperones and chaperonins in cells? What different roles do molecular chaperones and chaperonins play in the folding of proteins?
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.
Proper folding of proteins is essential for their biological activity. In general, the functional conformation of a protein is the conformation with lowest energy. This means that if an unfolded protein is allowed to reach equilibrium, it should assemble automatically into its native, functioning
folded state. Why then is there a need for molecular chaperones and chaperonins in cells? What different roles do molecular chaperones and chaperonins play in the folding of proteins?
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