Atoms to X-rays: How Do Proteins Fold?

The machinery of life depends on proteins--large organic molecules composed of tens, hundreds or even thousands of amino acids bound together and folded into specifically shaped structures. How they fold into these three-dimensional structures is known as the second genetic code and is one of great challenges in science today. Join UCSD biophysicist Jose Onuchic, as he explores how physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics are all being applied to crack the protein folding mystery.
Series: "Atoms to X-Rays" [7/2001] [Science] [Show ID: 5553]

Category:

Education

Tags:

• protein
• folding
• biophysics
• science
• experiments

[njanam]

Thank you. It made a lot of sense. Proteins need to have 3D shape to function,hence the folding is very important,also the wrong folding leads to many disease.

[gundam543]

can anybody explain to me what this means?

[AutumnCanvas]

There is no other way to explain myself but just to say that I just flat out love this lecture. Right away, Mr. Onuchic identified the first problem I had with Biology. Physics and Chemistry are an absolute requirement before a student learns biology. In this way, the student actually understands the forces behind the process, and not just succumbs to memorizing Biological terms.

[eataortic]

This is a fantastic lecture, highly recommended, should be shown in (un)educational institutes!! nice one jose, id stay in saturday night to watch you!

[Piscivorus]

Brilliant! This model can also be applied to developmental psychology and scientific education. Learning to think critically in early life is about wrinkling your noodle in a specific way so as to minimize mental frustration for the rest of your life.

[matjaz468]

boring

[FarFromEquilibrium]

Definitely should be taught physics ==> chemistry ==> biology.

[thegeets1881]

Dr. Onuchic is outstanding!

[genemadan]

very very striking theorical biology

[Romanpogosov]

Awesome!