Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
protein domain architecture
The number and order of different protein domains in a multidomain protein.
Many lectins, notably most C-type lectins, are multidomain proteins containing
several other non-lectin domains; these complement the sugar-binding function
of the lectin domain(s) and contribute to the overall function of the lectin. The C-
type lectin-like domain is arranged in a large number of different protein archi-
tectures in C-type lectins in a particular organism, and these architectures vary
greatly among different major branches of life such as worm, fl y and mouse.
protein xylosyltransferase
Pacemaker enzyme (EC 2.4.2.26) for the biosynthesis of CS- , DS - and HS - contain-
ing proteoglycan (PG).Transfers xylose post-translationally to the protein core of
PG, and is secreted in soluble form into ECM and blood plasma where it estab-
lishes a marker for the rate of PG synthesis in a multicellular organism.
proteoglycan (PG)
A family of high - molecular - weight polyanionic substances consisting of a protein
core to which one or more different unbranched glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains
are linked in a post-translational process. Main component of extracellular matrix
(ECM) or ECM- rich organs.
protohominid
Your grandfather ' s grandfather ' s grandfather ' s … grandfather. Also, your grand-
mother ' s grandmother ' s grandmother ' s … grandmother, going back to evolution-
ary antecessors of hominids.
pseudogene
A mutated gene, no longer capable of producing a functional protein. Expressed
pseudogenes are transcribed into mRNA, but their transcripts contain a premature
termination codon, deletion or frameshift mutation that prevents effective transla-
tion. Human DEFT genes are expressed pseudogenes.
pyranose
Monosaccharides consisting of a six-atom ring. The ring is closed by reaction
between the aldehyde or keto group with a hydroxy group from the same molecule,
forming an inner hemiacetal or hemiketal. The term follows the name of the
simplest six - membered O - containing heterocyclus, pyran.
q
quantum chemical (QC)/molecular mechanics (MM) method
A combined QC and MM approach applied to solve structural issues of large
molecular systems of biological importance. The active site of the protein-ligand
complex (where bond breaking and formation of new bonds occurs) is modeled
on the QC level, whereas the bulk environment within the protein and the sur-
rounding solvent are calculated on the MM level.
