Molecule of the Month - 2000
The "Molecule of the Month" presents short
accounts on selected molecules from the Protein Data Bank. Each
installment includes an introduction to the structure and function of
the molecule, a discussion of the relevance of the molecule to human
health and welfare, and suggestions for how visitors might view
representative structures themselves.
Please note, the "Molecule of the Month" is not intended to be
a comprehensive index to entries in the PDB, nor necessarily represent
the historical record. The structures used to illustrate each
installment are chosen at the discretion of the author of the
"Molecule of the Month".
When using these images, please be sure to include the proper citation
information, which can be found in the Structure Explorer for each
PDB file referenced in each installment.
Complete Molecule of the Month Index
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Myoglobin
(by D.S. Goodsell) Jan. 2000 Myoglobin is a small, bright red protein. It is very common in muscle cells, and gives meat much of its red color. Its job is to store oxygen, for use when muscles are hard at work... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [138 Kb]. |
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Bacteriophage
phiX174
(by D.S. Goodsell) Feb. 2000 A bacteriophage is a virus that attacks bacteria. The phiX174 bacteriophage attacks the common human bacteria Escherichia coli, infecting the cell and forcing it to make new viruses... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [200 Kb]. |
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DNA
Polymerase
(by D.S. Goodsell) Mar. 2000 DNA polymerase plays the central role in the processes of life. It carries the weighty responsibility of duplicating our genetic information... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [261 Kb]. |
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Collagen
(by D.S. Goodsell) Apr. 2000 Collagen is a major structural protein, forming molecular cables that strengthen the tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support the skin and internal organs. It provides structure to our bodies, protecting and supporting the softer tissues and connecting them with the skeleton... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [346 Kb]. |
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Cytochrome
c Oxidase
(by D.S. Goodsell) May 2000 Cytochrome c oxidase controls the last step of food oxidation by taking the remaining electrons and attaching them to an oxygen molecule. It is also a membrane protein... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [244 Kb]. |
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HIV-1
Protease
(by D.S. Goodsell) Jun. 2000 HIV-1 protease performs an essential step in the life cycle of HIV. Like many viruses, HIV makes many of its proteins in one long piece, with several proteins strung together. HIV-1 protease has the job of cutting this long 'polyprotein' into the proper protein-sized pieces... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [215 Kb] |
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Nucleosome
(by D.S. Goodsell) Jul. 2000 The job of the nucleosome is paradoxical, requiring it to perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On one hand, nucleosomes must be stable, forming tight, sheltering structures that compact the DNA and keep it from harm. On the other hand, nucleosomes must be labile enough to allow the information in the DNA to be used... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [256 Kb]. |
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Restriction
Enzymes
(by D.S. Goodsell) Aug. 2000 An endonuclease--an enzyme that cuts DNA-- is built by bacteria as a method of protection from attacking phages. These enzymes are termed "restriction enzymes" because they restrict the infection of bacteriophages... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [195 Kb]. |
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Lysozyme
(by D.S. Goodsell) Sep. 2000 Lysozyme protects us from the ever-present danger of bacterial infection. It is a small enzyme that attacks the protective cell walls of bacteria... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [211 Kb]. |
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Ribosome
(by D.S. Goodsell) Oct. 2000 The ribosome is the factory of protein synthesis, performing a major task in living cells. This molecule is composed of a small subunit and a large subunit... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [347 Kb]. |
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Rubisco
(by D.S. Goodsell) Nov. 2000 Inside plant cells, the enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) forms the bridge between life and the lifeless, creating organic carbon from the inorganic carbon dioxide in the air... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [265 Kb]. |
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Pepsin
(by D.S. Goodsell) Dec. 2000 During the holiday season, we often place greater demands on our digestive enzymes than at other times of the year. Our digestive system contains a host of tough, stable enzymes designed to seek out those rich holiday treats and break them into small pieces. Pepsin is the first in a series of enzymes that digest proteins... [MORE...] Available in PDF Format [394 Kb]. |
