====== Intrinsically disordered proteins ======

Before year 2000, it was generally assumed that the way in which proteins 'folded' was the sole key to understanding their function in life-systems. (See :[[content:life_sciences:life_itself:protein_structuring]] ). Since then, it has  been shown that many proteins do not entirely 'fold up' - leaving large sections of the protein chain as coils which appear to be random. This can profoundly affect the way in which they function and influence cellular systems.

It's currently estimated that around 33% of proteins found in cells which have a nucleus are 'Intrinsically Disordered'

It's largely unknown how the disordered sections might influence the proteins' function. Especially as, being unconstrained, they can re-organise and presumably operate in different ways at different times.

See: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsically_disordered_proteins|Wikipedia]]

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Also see : [[content:life_sciences:life_itself:protein_structuring]] and [[content:life_sciences:life_itself:protein_knotting]]