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Structure of a G-quadruplex. Left: a G-tetrad. Right: an intramolecular G4 complex. [1]: fig1 In molecular biology, G-quadruplex secondary structures (G4) are formed in nucleic acids by sequences that are rich in guanine. [2] They are helical in shape and contain guanine tetrads that can form from one, [3] two [4] or four strands. [5]
Protein structure is the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in an amino acid-chain molecule. Proteins are polymers – specifically polypeptides – formed from sequences of amino acids, which are the monomers of the polymer. A single amino acid monomer may also be called a residue, which indicates a
A homotetramer is a protein complex made up of four identical subunits which are associated but not covalently bound. [3] Conversely, a heterotetramer is a 4-subunit complex where one or more subunits differ. [4] Examples of homotetramers include: enzymes like beta-glucuronidase (pictured) export factors such as SecB from Escherichia coli [5]
Biomolecular structure is the intricate folded, three-dimensional shape that is formed by a molecule of protein, DNA, or RNA, and that is important to its function.The structure of these molecules may be considered at any of several length scales ranging from the level of individual atoms to the relationships among entire protein subunits.
Proteins have two types of well-classified, frequently occurring elements of local structure defined by a particular pattern of hydrogen bonds along the backbone: alpha helix and beta sheet. Their number and arrangement is called the secondary structure of the protein.
The anchorage of the cytoskeleton to the chromosomes takes place at the centromere thanks to a protein complex called kinetochore. This tension results in the alignment of the bivalent at the center of the cell, the chiasmata and the distal cohesion of the sister chromatids being the anchor point sustaining the force exerted on the whole structure.
The remaining elements found in living things are primarily metals that play a role in determining protein structure. Examples include iron, essential to hemoglobin; and magnesium, essential to chlorophyll. Some elements are essential only to certain taxonomic groups of organisms, particularly the prokaryotes.
Proteins are often synthesized in an inactive precursor form; typically, an N-terminal or C-terminal segment blocks the active site of the protein, inhibiting its function. The protein is activated by cleaving off the inhibitory peptide. Some proteins even have the power to cleave themselves.