Protein complex
Protein complex
A Protein complex or protein assembly is a group of two or more proteins that bind together, often to carry out a specific function.
Pronunciation
Protein complex: /ˈproʊtiːn kəmˈplɛks/
Etymology
The term "protein complex" is derived from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "primary" or "in the lead", and the Latin word "complexus", meaning "twisted together".
Definition
In cell biology, a protein complex is a group of proteins that join together to perform a specific function within the cell. These complexes can be stable or transient, depending on the nature of their formation and function. Protein complexes are a form of quaternary structure of a protein molecule, which is the highest level of protein structure.
Related Terms
- Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
- Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- Cell Biology: A branch of biology that studies the different structures and functions of the cell.
- Quaternary Structure: The structure of a protein macromolecule formed by interactions between multiple folded protein molecules.
Functions
Protein complexes perform a variety of functions within the cell. They play a crucial role in many biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and cell signaling. Some protein complexes act as enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions, while others are involved in the structure of the cell, such as cytoskeleton.
Examples
Some examples of protein complexes include ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis, and proteasomes, which are involved in protein degradation. Other examples include hemoglobin, a protein complex that carries oxygen in the blood, and photosystems, which are involved in photosynthesis in plants.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Protein complex
- Wikipedia's article - Protein complex
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