Proteins (polypeptides) are molecules formed by amino acids linked together, through peptide bonds during the mechanism of transcription, resulting from a genetic information that regulates, through these substances, all the metabolic reactions of the cell.
Each type of protein has the same amino acids, linearly ordered according to the same sequence, which means the primary structure of a polypeptide.
However, this filament, as a result of the spatial arrangement and the possibility of amino acid rotation, provides an arrangement configuring helical aspect, that is, spiraled over itself, giving rise to the structure secondary.
Mind Map: Proteins
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As proteins are formed based on 20 different types of amino acids, each with specific chemical properties (hydrogen bridges and disulfide), may thus express attractive interaction or repulsion reactions, causing folds in the secondary structure, resulting in a third conformation structural. Finally, the quaternary structure refers to the formation of one or more protein chains joined together, forming skeins or fibers.
This fact, evolutionarily, represents one of the greatest perfections of the manifestation of life, as the function of a protein is closely related to its shape.
Thus, any error, from coordination from DNA, can lead to metabolic disturbances. Many diseases that affect humans are caused by genetic abnormalities that change the morphology of a protein, most often losing its physiology.
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By krukemberghe Fonseca
Graduated in Biology
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Structure of a protein"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/estrutura-um-proteina.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
