Three-Dimensional Structure of Biomolecules

Abstract

In drug design the ligand, which is generally a small organic molecule with a molecular weight of under 500 Da is under focus. It undergoes interactions with a macromolecular receptor and exerts an influence on the receptor’s characteristics. On the other hand, the surrounding receptor can also determine the properties of the bound active ligand. Selective interference in these interactions requires not only an understanding of the ligand but also the receptor. After the methods for the structural determination of biomolecules were introduced in the last chapter, we want to take a look at what can be learned about the construction principles and characteristics of these molecules. Proteins are made up of 20 basic building blocks, the amino acids (see Appendix 1). A dipeptide is formed by coupling two amino acids through an amide bond. Larger peptides and proteins are formed by the addition of further amide bonds.