Question

"How does the form of a protein impact protein function? Be able to make a reasonable answer if given the shape of a protein and asked to determine a potential function." a question from my functional bio review that I am having a hard time answering.

Answer 1

Proteins are the most versatile macromolecules in living systems and serve crucial functions in essentially all biological processes and most of their functions are determined by their structure.

1.Proteins are linear polymers built of monomers and they spontaneously fold up to form 3D structure and the function of the protein is directly dependent on its 3D structure that is determined by the sequence of amino acids in the polymer.

2. Proteins contain a wide range of functional groups. These functional groups include alcohols, thiols, thioethers, carboxylic acids, carboxamides, and a variety of basic groups. When combined in various sequences, this array of functional groups accounts for the broad spectrum of protein function. For instance, the chemical reactivity associated with these groups is essential to the function of enzymes, the proteins that catalyze specific chemical reactions in biological systems.

3. Proteins can interact with one another and with other biological macromolecules to form complex assemblies. The proteins within these assemblies can act synergistically to generate capabilities not afforded by the individual coProteins can interact with one another and with other biological macromolecules to form complex assemblies. The proteins within these assemblies can act synergistically to generate capabilities not afforded by the individual component proteins (Figure 3.2). These assemblies include macro-molecular machines that carry out the accurate replication of DNA, the transmission of signals within cells, and many other essential processes.mponent proteins . These assemblies include macro-molecular machines that carry out the accurate replication of DNA, the transmission of signals within cells, and many other essential processes.

4.Some proteins are quite rigid, whereas others display limited flexibility. Rigid units can function as structural elements in the cytoskeleton (the internal scaffolding within cells) or in connective tissue. Parts of proteins with limited flexibility may act as hinges, springs, and levers that are crucial to protein function, to the assembly of proteins with one another and with other molecules into complex units, and to the transmission of information within and between cells.