Protein sequence determination refers to the process of determining the precise arrangement or order of amino acids within a protein molecule. Proteins are complex organic macromolecules composed of chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids in a protein ultimately determines its structure, function, and overall biological activity.
Protein sequencing involves multiple methods aimed at identifying the exact sequence of amino acids in a protein. These methods often rely on different chemical, biochemical, or genetic techniques, including both manual and automated procedures. Historically, Edman degradation was one of the first widely used methods for protein sequencing, which involved sequentially removing the N-terminal amino acids and analyzing them.
Modern approaches to protein sequence determination now incorporate advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing techniques. Mass spectrometry-based methods involve fragmenting the protein into smaller peptides and measuring their masses, which are then used to reconstruct the original sequence. DNA sequencing methods rely on the isolation and sequencing of the gene encoding the protein, which indirectly reveals the protein's sequence.
Protein sequence determination is essential for understanding protein function, structure, and the role of specific amino acids in protein activity. It is vital for a wide range of fields, including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, drug development, and the study of diseases related to protein malfunction.
