Protein Synthesis, Structure, and Function

Abstract

Abstract Proteins are large and complex biomolecules that play an essential role in structure and regulation of function within an organism. Twenty different amino acids are utilized as building blocks in the creation of polypeptide chains in the process of protein formation. These polypeptide chains undergo conformational changes to create functional proteins. Protein function is highly dependent on its structure; change to the polypeptide chain sequence may alter protein’s function. Absence or dysfunction of proteins can lead to a disease state. Proteins are the most structurally diverse biological molecules and are involved in a vast array of functions within an organism, including structural support to organelles, cells, and tissues; selective transport of molecules and ions across the cellular membrane; cellular communication; and as enzymatic activity–intracellular metabolic catalysts. All proteins except antibodies and clotting factor VIII are formed in the liver.