The term "CTERMINUS," also referred to as the "C-terminus" or "carboxyl terminus," is a fundamental concept in biochemistry and molecular biology. It refers to one of the two ends of a protein or polypeptide chain, the other being the "N-terminus." The C-terminus is generated through the process of translation, where amino acids are synthesized and assembled into a polypeptide chain.
At the C-terminus, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide chain terminates with a free carboxyl group (-COOH). This carboxyl group can undergo various modifications, such as addition of chemical groups, acetylation, or enzymatic cleavage to generate biologically active peptides or protein fragments.
The C-terminus plays a crucial role in protein folding, stability, and function. It often contains important functional domains that mediate protein-protein interactions, enzymatic activity, or post-translational modifications. Additionally, the C-terminus can influence protein localization within the cell or determine its half-life.
In protein sequencing or structural studies, the C-terminus is designated as the end of the chain, while the N-terminus is considered the beginning. This nomenclature is extensively used in scientific literature and databases.
Understanding the C-terminus is essential for unraveling the structure-function relationships of proteins, deciphering their roles in cellular processes, and developing therapeutic strategies targeting specific protein domains or interactions. The C-terminus provides valuable insights into the biological properties of proteins, enabling researchers to comprehend their diverse roles and potential applications.
