Structure of Protein Essay

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Structural Organization of Proteins

There are different protein structures, and these correspond directly to the kinds of functions that the proteins address. While many people feel that protein is all the same, this is not the truth. With a number of different kinds of proteins and a wide array of uses for them, it stands to reason that the structural organization of proteins will be different based on each one of those proteins and what type of function it has (Murray, et al., 2006). However, all proteins are similar in that they fold in three dimensions. The structure of the proteins are organized in a hierarchy that begins with the primary structure and moves through to the quaternary structure. Motifs and domains are the higher-level structures (Murray, et al., 2006). The primary structure services the polypeptide chain, and is a sequence of various residues (Van Holde & Matthews, 1996). That is generally where the similarities end, and the wide variety of formations in the structural organization of proteins comes from the number of different sequences that are available in the amino acid residues. Without those differences, all proteins would be much more similar to one another, but that could also restrict them too much and keep them from doing the jobs for which they are currently designed.

All proteins are constructed out of amino acids. A dipeptide is when two amino acids link together. Oligopeptide is the term used for three to nine amino acids linked to one another, and polypeptide is used to describe a blending of more than that. Proteins are polypeptides, and are sometimes groups of a number of polypeptides that link to one another (Tooze, 1999).

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That can result in very complex proteins, such as would be found in some foods and in various workings of the human body. Typical proteins have 135 to 165 amino acids contained within them (Tooze, 1999). While there are only 20 common amino acids, there are many more that are not seen as commonly, but that still have to be collected and contained in order to ensure a particular protein (Murray, et al., 2006) develops properly and can function correctly. There is a structure to proteins, as well, so they can remain organized and do their jobs. The primary structure is most important, as it is what gets the protein started and makes up the most significant part of it. Without a good primary structure, the protein will not be able to perform its duties. That can lead to breakdowns of bodily functions, and can cause serious harm.

It is important to identify more than just the primary structure when it comes to proteins, however, because the primary structure is not enough to provide everything the protein needs when it comes to form and function (Van Holde & Matthews, 1996). Other structures are built around that primary structure, strengthening the protein and developing it. The secondary structure is formed through backbone atoms and the hydrogen bonds that can be made between them. It is a regularly….....

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