Schwanzdomänen

Schwanzdomänen are a colloquial German term, literally translating to "tail domains," used in molecular biology. This informal designation refers to the C-terminal region of a protein. While not a formally defined scientific term, it is frequently encountered in discussions and literature, particularly when describing protein structure and function. The C-terminus is the end of a polypeptide chain that has a free carboxyl group. This region often plays a crucial role in protein folding, stability, and interactions with other molecules, and can also be involved in post-translational modifications. The "Schwanzdomäne" concept emphasizes this terminal region as a functional or structural entity within the larger protein. Its significance varies greatly depending on the specific protein and its biological role. Researchers might refer to a specific "Schwanzdomäne" when discussing protein localization signals, interaction motifs, or regulatory elements situated at the protein's tail end. The term's usage is largely limited to informal contexts within the German-speaking scientific community.