kupariproteiin

Kupariproteiin refers to a class of proteins that contain copper atoms as essential cofactors. These proteins play vital roles in a wide range of biological processes across all forms of life. The copper atom is typically coordinated by amino acid residues within the protein's structure, forming a "copper center." The specific environment and oxidation state of the copper atom dictate the protein's function.

Common functions of kupariproteiinit include electron transfer in metabolic pathways, such as in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. They are also involved in oxygen activation and detoxification, for example, in the enzyme superoxide dismutase which scavenges harmful reactive oxygen species. Some kupariproteiinit act as enzymes catalyzing various biochemical reactions, while others serve as transport proteins, moving copper ions within cells or throughout the organism.

Examples of kupariproteiinit include ceruloplasmin, a major copper-carrying protein in blood plasma, and cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain. Another important example is tyrosinase, involved in melanin production. The precise structure and function of each kupariproteiini are determined by its amino acid sequence and the specific arrangement of its copper-binding sites. Deficiencies or excesses of copper, or mutations in kupariproteiinit, can lead to various diseases.