Structural Bioinformatics

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Structural Bioinformatics, including the relationship between structure and function, the roles of various forces in molecular interactions, and the methods used to study these phenomena.

What is the main goal of Structural Bioinformatics?

To model and discover the basic principles underlying the 3D structures of biomolecules.

What era did the completion of the human genome project herald?

The post genomic era.

What is Structural Genomics?

Aims at obtaining the 3D structures of all the proteins encoded in the genome in a systematic way.

What are the roles of molecular motions in biological processes?

They allow biomolecules to interact and adapt and dictate the biochemical or mechanical function of macromolecules.

What does the 'induced-fit' theory propose?

Protein and ligand mutually adapt themselves by small conformational changes until an optimal fit is achieved.

How do proteins recognize other molecules?

Through molecular recognition, which involves a multistep process including approach, desolvation, penetration, and orientation.

What is the significance of Van der Waals forces in molecular interactions?

They contribute to molecular associations through temporary atomic induced polarization.

What is the primary function of hydrogen bonds in biological macromolecules?

They significantly influence the organization of secondary and tertiary structures.

What is bioinformatics primarily concerned with?

Solving problems in genomics.

What is a crucial outcome of the Structural Genomics Consortium?

To solve the three-dimensional structures of 2000 disease-relevant proteins.

Why is it important to study protein dynamics?

To understand the wide range of motion and conformational changes proteins undergo to fulfill their functions.

What is the relationship between protein structure and function?

The function of a macromolecule is dictated by its 3D-structure.

What is the purpose of molecular docking in structural bioinformatics?

To predict the association of two molecular surfaces.

What are two key experimental techniques to study protein motions?

X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.

What phenomenon does '3D complementarity' refer to?

The match in shape between interacting molecules that enhances binding affinity.

What does the term 'molecular dynamics' refer to?

A computational method used to simulate the physical movements of atoms and molecules.

What is the role of structural bioinformatics in drug discovery?

It bridges genomics and cheminformatics, providing insights for structure-based drug design.

How are structural genomics programs primarily funded?

By various national and international research initiatives.

What is the Katz model?

A model demonstrating the relationship between protein structure and function.

What do 'high-throughput technologies' refer to?

Techniques that allow rapid data collection for analyzing biological processes.