
EF-hand calcium-binding domain
The EF-hand calcium-binding domain is a specific structure within some proteins that allows them to detect and respond to calcium levels in the body. It consists of a looped region of amino acids shaped like a hand, which can grab calcium ions. When calcium binds to this domain, it causes the protein to change shape, often triggering a biological response such as muscle contraction or signaling between cells. This domain is crucial for many cellular processes that depend on precise calcium regulation.