Protein Folding and Design

Protein folding is the process by which a linear chain of amino acids folds into a specific three-dimensional shape, crucial for its function in the body. This folding is driven by chemical interactions and environmental factors. Incorrect folding can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's. In protein design, scientists use knowledge about folding to create new proteins with desired functions, often employing computational methods to predict how changes in amino acids affect shape and activity. Understanding these processes helps advance fields like drug development and synthetic biology, enhancing our ability to manipulate biological systems for medical and industrial applications.