Protein Structure and Function

Proteins, the central molecules in biochemistry, are essential for almost all biological functions in living organisms. The structure of a protein is intricately linked to its function. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds to form long chains. The primary structure of a protein refers to the linear sequence of amino acids. This sequence determines how the protein will fold into its three-dimensional structure. The secondary structure of a protein includes alpha helices and beta sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids. These secondary structures further fold into the tertiary structure, which dictates the overall shape of the protein. The quaternary structure of a protein involves the arrangement of multiple protein subunits to form a functional protein complex. Understanding the structure of proteins is crucial for unraveling their functions, such as enzyme catalysis, signal transduction, and structural support within cells.