Aminohapposekvenssiä

Aminohapposekvenssiä, often referred to as amino acid sequence, denotes the linear order of amino acids that make up a protein. This sequence is determined by the genetic information encoded in DNA. Each protein has a unique and specific amino acid sequence, which is fundamental to its three-dimensional structure and its biological function. The sequence is read from the N-terminus (the end with a free amino group) to the C-terminus (the end with a free carboxyl group).

The sequence of amino acids dictates how a polypeptide chain will fold into its functional conformation. Interactions between the amino acid side chains, such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bridges, drive this folding process. Even a single change in the amino acid sequence can significantly alter the protein's structure and, consequently, its activity. For example, certain genetic mutations can lead to the substitution of one amino acid for another, potentially causing diseases like sickle cell anemia.

Determining the amino acid sequence of a protein is a crucial step in understanding its role in biological processes. Techniques like Edman degradation and mass spectrometry are employed for this purpose. The information obtained from sequencing is vital for fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine, enabling the study of protein function, evolution, and the development of targeted therapies.