Structure Function Relationship

There are limited folds, but different structures and hence functions

The shape or structure of a protein offers clues about the role it plays in the body.

The shape of a protein—although much morecomplicated than the shape of a commonobject—teaches us about that protein’s role inthe body.

A protein called alpha-keratin forms

your hair and fingernails and also is the

major component of feathers, wools,

claws, scales, horns, and hooves.

The hemoglobin proteins carries oxygen

in your blood to every part of your

body.

Muscle proteins called actin and myosin

enable all muscular movement – from

blinking to breathing to rollerblading.

Ion channel proteins control brain

signaling by allowing small molecules

into and out of nerve cells.

Enzymes in your saliva, stomach, and

small intestine are proteins that help you

digest food.

Huge clusters of proteins form

molecular machines that do your cell’s

heavy work, such as copying genes

during cell division and making new

proteins.

Receptor proteins stud the outside of

your cells and transmit signals to

partner proteins on the inside of the

cells.

Antibodies are proteins that help defend

your body against foreign invaders,

such as bacteria and viruses.

Proteins are worker molecules that are necessary for virtually every activity in your body.

Proteins in all shapes and sizes

Luciferase

Amylase

Reverse transcriptase

DNA polymerase III

Antibody

Collagen

Insulin, first protein sequence to be determined (Frederick Sanger got Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1958).

Dorothy Hodgkin determined its structure in 1969.

Myoglobin, first protein structure to be determined

(John Kendrew received Nobel Prize in Chemistry,

1962).

Hemoglobin, (Max Perutz received Nobel Prize in

Chemistry, 1962).

Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1964

Nobel Prize in Medicine, 1962

Roderick MacKinnon received Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2003

RNA Polymerase IINobel Prize in Chemistry, 2006

Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2009

Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2012

Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka

Small errors in proteins can cause disease

C-terminal Src Kinase

Active and inactive Arrestins