Protein folding

Definition

Protein folding is the process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape or conformation. This process is crucial for the protein's biological activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Correct protein folding is essential for the functionality of proteins in microbial cells.
2. Misfolded proteins can lead to diseases and are often degraded by cellular mechanisms.
3. Chaperone proteins assist in the proper folding of other proteins within microbial cells.
4. Environmental factors such as pH and temperature can influence protein folding.
5. The primary structure of a protein, its amino acid sequence, dictates how it will fold.

Review Questions

• Why is proper protein folding important for microbial cell function?
• What role do chaperone proteins play in protein folding?
• How can environmental factors affect the process of protein folding?

Related terms

Denaturation: The loss of a protein's native structure due to external stress like heat or chemicals.

Chaperone Proteins: Proteins that assist other proteins in achieving proper folding.

Primary Structure: The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, determining its final folded form.