Amino Acid Conservation (AAC)

Amino Acid Conservation (AAC) refers to the tendency of specific amino acids within a protein to remain unchanged across different species or versions of that protein. This conservation occurs because these amino acids are often critical to the protein's structure or function. By comparing sequences, scientists can identify which parts of a protein are highly conserved, indicating their importance, and which parts vary more, suggesting they are less critical. AAC helps researchers understand protein function, evolutionary relationships, and guide drug or vaccine development by highlighting key regions essential for activity.