Proteins are linear chains of amino acids and are fundamental components of all living cells (along with carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acids). They make up half the dry weight of an Escherichia coli (the most widely studied prokaryotic model organism) cell, whereas other macromolecules such as DNA and RNA make up only 3% and 20%, respectively. Within cells, as well as outside, proteins serve a myriad of functions. The chief characteristic of proteins that allows their diverse set of functions is their ability to bind other molecules (proteins or small-molecule substrates) specifically and tightly.
Keywords
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
- Quaternary Structure
- Proteinogenic Amino Acid
- Universal Genetic Code
- Weak Chemical Bond
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.