Protein Structure Introduction

Abstract

The term “protein” originates from the Greek word proteios, meaning “primary” or “of first rank”. The name was adapted by Jöns Berzelius in 1838 to emphasize the importance of this class of molecules. Indeed, proteins play crucial, life-sustaining biological roles, both as constituent molecules and as triggers of physiological processes for all living things. For example, proteins provide the architectural support in muscle tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones, skin, hair, organs, and glands. Their environment-tailored structures make possible the coordinated function (motion, regulation, etc.) in some of these assemblies.

Life is the mode of existence of proteins, and this mode of existence essentially consists in the constant self-renewal of the chemical constituents of these substances.

Friedrich Engels, 1878 (1820–1895).