Example Structures

Example #1: Collagen - A Fibrous Protein

Collagen is an example of a fibrous protein. Fibrous proteins differ from globular proteins in that they are insoluble in water (due to hydrophobic sidechains) and function primarily as structural components.

 

Example #2: An Enzyme - Penicillopepsin (an Acid Proteinase)

The following enzyme is a proteinase, i.e., its function is to break down proteins. Its more general enzyme classification is hydrolase. In the structure shown below use the "Zoom In" button to observe how the substrate fits into the active site and how it is held in place by hydrogen bonds. (It will be easier to see the hydrogen bonding if the spacefilling is turned off.)


 Spacefill:

Substrate

Active Site

Show Hydrogen Bonds