post-translational modification

Post-translational modification (PTM) is a process where, after a protein is made in the cell, it undergoes additional changes to become fully functional. These modifications can include adding chemical groups, such as phosphate or sugar, or cutting parts of the protein. PTMs help proteins fold correctly, control their activity, stability, and location within the cell, and enable them to respond to different signals. Essentially, PTMs fine-tune proteins after their initial creation, ensuring they perform their roles properly in the body's complex biological systems.