PROTEIN MOLECULE Meaning and
Definition
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A protein molecule refers to a complex and intricate organic macromolecule composed of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins are one of the fundamental building blocks of life, playing crucial roles in various biological processes and functions. With diverse structures and functions, protein molecules are involved in a myriad of biological activities, including enzymatic catalysis, cell signaling, muscle contraction, immune response, and transport of nutrients and molecules.
The basic structure of a protein molecule consists of one or more polypeptide chains, which are linear sequences of amino acids. Each amino acid has a specific side chain, or "R-group," giving it unique chemical properties. Protein molecules fold into three-dimensional structures, determined by the sequence of amino acids and various intermolecular interactions. The folded structure is vital for their functionality and stability.
Protein molecules exhibit primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. Primary structure refers to the linear arrangement of amino acids, while secondary structure involves the folding of the chain into patterns like alpha-helices and beta-sheets. Tertiary structure refers to the overall three-dimensional conformation of the protein, dictated by interactions between amino acid residues. Some proteins also have a quaternary structure, which results from the association of multiple polypeptide chains.
Proteins can be synthesized within living organisms through a process called protein synthesis or obtained from external sources like food. The human body requires proteins for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues, regulation of biochemical reactions, and transportation of molecules. Improper functioning or mutations in protein molecules can lead to various diseases and disorders, emphasizing the importance of proteins in all aspects of life.
Common Misspellings for PROTEIN MOLECULE
- orotein molecule
- lrotein molecule
- -rotein molecule
- 0rotein molecule
- peotein molecule
- pdotein molecule
- pfotein molecule
- ptotein molecule
- p5otein molecule
- p4otein molecule
- pritein molecule
- prktein molecule
- prltein molecule
- prptein molecule
- pr0tein molecule
- pr9tein molecule
- prorein molecule
- profein molecule
- progein molecule
Etymology of PROTEIN MOLECULE
The term "protein" comes from the French word "protéine", which was coined in 1838 by Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder. Mulder observed that proteins contained a diverse range of elements and believed that they were composed of building blocks called "protos", meaning "of prime importance". He later modified the term to "protein" to indicate this primacy in biological processes. The word "molecule" has its roots in Latin, where "molecula" means a small mass. It was first used in its modern scientific sense in the early 19th century. Hence, the term "protein molecule" is derived from these two origins to specifically refer to the essential building blocks of biological systems.
Similar spelling words for PROTEIN MOLECULE
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