A protein folding mystery solved: Study explains core packing fractions
In living organisms, every protein—a type of biological polymer consisting of hundreds of amino acids—carries out specific functions, such as catalysis, molecule transport, or DNA repair. To perform these functions, they must fold up into specific shapes. It's a complex process that's critical to life, and despite advances in the field, there remain many open questions about the process.
New study discovers how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution
Researchers have discovered a mechanism steering the evolution of multicellular life. They identify how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution.
Physical theory improves protein folding prediction
Proteins are important molecules that perform a variety of functions essential to life. To function properly, many proteins must fold into specific structures. However, the way proteins fold into specific structures is still largely unknown. Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a novel physical theory that can accurately predict how proteins fold. Their model can predict things previous models cannot. Improved knowledge of protein folding could offer huge benefits to medical research, as well as to various industrial processes.
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