By John G. Szeto, Matthew D. Godin, and Angela B. Schmider
The following opinions and perspectives are our own and do not reflect the views of any institution.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are responsible for nearly all reactions that keep our bodies alive. There are 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins that, when ordered in sequences, manage to combine in an almost infinite number of ways. From these sequences, we get four basic levels of protein folding; from primary to quaternary, characteristic alpha helices to beta sheets, these polymers form unique and dynamic structures (see, e.g., the figure) that have various functions. The way proteins organize creates enzymes, structural units, ligands and receptors (keys and locks). These types of proteins are common targets of medicinal drugs. But because of subtleties in protein structure and interactions, there are medicine limitations, such as side effects, that originate from limitations in knowledge, including basic mechanism and biology. Continue reading