Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
protein folding briefly
Protein is a polymer of amino acids connected together via peptide bond. In a cell, proteins are either present freely or bound to the cell membrane or to the membrane of other cellular organelles. It acts as the functional molecule of a cell and is synthesized on ribosomes during translation using the information encoded in the mRNA.
Proteins, in general, undergo four levels of structural folding to acquire final functional conformation. The four levels are:
Primary structure: It includes a simple chain of amino acids connected together via peptide bonds. The information for the sequence of amino acids is encoded in the DNA. Proteins fold differently on the basis of the environment they are present in.
Secondary structure: The atoms of the polypeptide backbone again interact to form structures like beta-sheets or alpha-helix. This interaction is established with the help of hydrogen bonds.
Tertiary structure: At this stage, the R-groups of the amino acids interact via non-covalent bonds and forma a three-dimensional structure. Covalent bonds are also involved in some cases like formation of disulphide bonds. At this stage, the hydrophobic portion of the protein faces the inner side whereas the hydrophilic surface faces the aqueous environment.
Quaternary structure: When different polypeptides interact and forms a multimeric complex, it is termed as the quaternary structure of a protein.
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