
Instability index
The instability index is a numerical measure that predicts how likely a protein is to unfold or denature under certain conditions, such as temperature changes. It assesses the protein's structural stability by analyzing its amino acid sequence or 3D structure. A lower instability index indicates a more stable protein that can maintain its shape, while a higher index suggests the protein may be more prone to unfolding or losing function. This measurement helps researchers understand protein behavior, design more stable proteins for industrial or medical use, and predict how proteins might respond to environmental stress.