Need clarification on chaperone protein.
What does it mean by it helps the newly formed polypeptide subunits to orient themselves?

Question

Need clarification on chaperone protein.
What does it mean by it helps the newly formed polypeptide subunits to orient themselves?

blues · Answer

"Orient" is a very strange word to be used in this context.

Chaperones are like big, protective barrels into which partially folded polypeptides go to finish folding.

anonymous · Answer

hey blues:D

so if chaperone protein doesnt present in body, then the polypeptides cannot fold properly? so will there be a disfunction in protein?

blues · Answer

Exactly.

If chaperones weren't present in the body, so many polypeptides would be unable to fold properly that the organism would be dead.

Chaperones often play a role in protein repair: when a protein has become misfolded or is partially denatured, it will go back into the barrel to refold properly. Which is why cells transcribe chaperonins (chaperone proteins) under conditions of stress. I mention that because chaperones are often called Heat Shock Proteins or Hsp proteins.

blues · Answer

I love protein biochemistry, by the way! :D

anonymous · Answer

thanks!!
I like it too :) I'm getting into the protein chapter soon!