protein function + regulation Flashcards
protein interactions, protein binding, small molecule contributions, protein activity, regulation
what is protein conformation
arrangements of atoms in space (protein shape)
which amino acids give the ability of proteins to have unique functions
amino acids exposed on the surface of the protein or in open pockets
what does the activity of a protein depend on
the ability to bind specifically to other molecules
what is a ligand
the molecule that a protein can bind to (can be an ion, small molecule, or macromolecule)
what is a binding site
the part of a protein that interacts with the ligand (consists of a cavity formed by a specific arrangement of amino acids
what is the affinity of a protein
it is the ability of a protein to bind other molecules selectively through noncovalent interactions
why must ligands fit/align very closely with the protein
so that many weak interactions can occur simultaneously
what happens with remaining sequences from the protein-ligand interactions
they play a role in regulating the protein’s activity
what is the main function of antibodies
to bind to another molecule
