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The Artistic and Scientific Nature of Protein Structure: A Historical Overview

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This author has been fascinated with proteins’ visual beauty since her introduction to molecular modeling software for small molecules and subsequent use of computational software that permitted 3D visualization of proteins. With the use of computational software to view proteins for the first time, the visual possibilities resulted in a moment of awe with the seeming simplicity of a protein’s primary structure of amino acids. These amino acids define a secondary structure wherein alpha helices and beta sheets are nested, fold and connect to form the tertiary structure, and form a quaternary structure such as ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase II, a complex of proteins. We can stand back, look at a protein as a piece of art, and know that its structure informs the viewer how the protein will function scientifically. The author has chosen several proteins of historical significance. Are there others? Yes, and so the initial question became, what proteins to choose. Enjoy the journey. Julian Voss-Andreae Heart of Steel (Hemoglobin) (Adapted from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Heart_of_Steel_%28Hemoglobin%29.jpg). The code of this chapter is 01110000 01110010 01101111 01110100 01100101 01101001 01101110.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIntegrated Science
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages625-648
Number of pages24
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Publication series

NameIntegrated Science
Volume5
ISSN (Print)2662-9461
ISSN (Electronic)2662-947X

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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