Protein folding

Proteins are large molecules composed of smaller constituents called amino acids. They are ubiquitous and essential for all life. The 3-dimensional structure and the function of a protein are intimately related. The process by which a protein achieves a final structure is referred to as protein folding.

History of Protein Folding as a Field

C. Anfinsen. K. Dill. Etc.

Proposed Mechanisms

Hydrophobic Collapse. Nucleation-condensation. Viscosity-Collision. Etc.

Thermodynamics

Folding Funnel/Energy Landscapes. Etc.

Chaperones

Chaperones make up a unique class of proteins which can aid in the proper folding of other proteins. For more information, see Chaperone Proteins.