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Entropia
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Does anybody have any good links on protein symmetry?
Protein symmetry refers to the arrangement of subunits within a protein structure. It describes how the identical or similar subunits are arranged in a repeating pattern to form a functional protein.
Protein symmetry plays a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins. It allows for efficient assembly of complex protein structures and can enhance stability and function of proteins.
Protein symmetry can be determined through various methods such as X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These techniques allow scientists to visualize the arrangement of subunits within a protein structure.
Some well-known examples of proteins with symmetry include viruses, which often have icosahedral symmetry, and hemoglobin, which has a tetrameric structure with two-fold rotational symmetry.
The symmetry of a protein can greatly influence its function. For example, proteins with rotational symmetry may have binding sites that are able to interact with multiple ligands at once, increasing their efficiency. Additionally, symmetry can also play a role in the stability and folding of proteins.