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BeneficialWarrant t1_j1nzrhf wrote

The amino acids interact with each other. The individual interactions are often very simple and involve such things as hydrogen bonding, acid/base salt bridges, hydrophobic exclusion, Van der Waals, sometimes covalent bonds such as disulfides.

While the interactions are simple, the sum of these interactions is very complex and significant. By changing the order that the amino acids are connected (and some other factors that are a bit more complex), the shape of the protein can be controlled.

The end result is a very large and bulky molecule with a very specific shape and that can interact with other molecules in very specific ways.

It's kinda like Legos. The individual bricks connect to each other in very simple ways, but a skilled builder with a plan can build a large creation with a very specific shape and function.

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Hookairz t1_j1oksgg wrote

Also to add, for proteins “structure dictates function”

Without the correct structure, which arises due to the things listed above (and hydrophobic/philic interactions I may add) proteins cannot perform their intended function which can lead to various consequences.

Some proteins even work almost like tiny machines in the cell and can perform work using ATP

SOME proteins are used as structural elements of the cell, but overall “structure” of proteins is important for their functional roles

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kidnoki t1_j1oyhje wrote

Not to mention the proteins have different forms in different chemical solutions. So pH, temperature and catalysts can all modify the proteins in different ways. Not to mention proteins can inherently interact with RNA allowing for complex bio machinery basically attached to written code.

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