Recent technological advances have made it more feasible than ever to work out the three-dimensional structure of proteins.There is intense interest in this research field,called structural biology.Why?
A)Understanding structure should help us understand function.
B)Understanding structure can help in the design of drugs that alter the function of certain proteins.
C)Solving a protein's 3-D structure can lead to a better understanding of how the molecule works-for example,by identifying the active site and determining if there are regulatory sites.
D)All of the above apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given options are valid reasons for the intense interest in structural biology. Understanding the protein structure provides insights into its function, which is crucial for developing drugs that alter the protein's activity. Additionally, knowledge of a protein's 3-D structure helps identify the active and regulatory sites, and thereby, provides a better understanding of how the molecule works. Thus, recent technological advances that make it feasible to determine protein structures have pushed the field of structural biology forward.

Recent Technological Advances Have Made It More Feasible Than Ever