SCAFFOLD PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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A scaffold protein, also known as a structural protein or framework protein, is a type of protein molecule that functions as a support or framework for other molecules within a cell, facilitating their organization and coordination. It plays a crucial role in the assembly and regulation of protein complexes in various cellular processes.
Scaffold proteins are typically characterized by their ability to interact with multiple binding partners simultaneously. They possess specific domains or regions that enable these interactions, allowing them to connect various signaling or enzymatic components within a cell. Through their interactions, scaffold proteins bring together multiple molecules that need to work together, thereby enhancing the efficiency and specificity of cellular processes.
The main function of a scaffold protein is to provide a stable structural platform for the formation of protein complexes or signaling cascades. By physically organizing and spatially arranging the components, scaffold proteins control the progression and duration of cellular reactions. Furthermore, they can also modulate the activity or localization of the associated molecules, ensuring proper regulation of cellular processes.
Scaffold proteins are vital in various biological processes, including cell signaling, DNA repair, cell division, immune response, and neuronal development. Dysregulation or dysfunction of scaffold proteins can result in cellular dysfunction or disease states, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or developmental abnormalities.
In summary, scaffold proteins serve as essential molecular organizers in cells, providing a structural foundation for the assembly and regulation of protein complexes, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity and functionality.
Common Misspellings for SCAFFOLD PROTEIN
- acaffold protein
- zcaffold protein
- xcaffold protein
- dcaffold protein
- ecaffold protein
- wcaffold protein
- sxaffold protein
- svaffold protein
- sfaffold protein
- sdaffold protein
- sczffold protein
- scsffold protein
- scwffold protein
- scqffold protein
- scadfold protein
- scacfold protein
- scavfold protein
- scagfold protein
- scatfold protein
- scarfold protein
Etymology of SCAFFOLD PROTEIN
The word "scaffold" in the term "scaffold protein" is derived from the Old French word "escopel" or "eschopel", which means "a raised platform or support structure". It further originated from the Latin word "scopulus", meaning "a rock" or "a steep cliff".
In biology, a scaffold is a supporting structure or framework that provides a physical framework for various molecular components to interact and assemble. A scaffold protein functions in a similar way by acting as a structural platform or a framework for the assembly and organization of multiple proteins within a cell or a biological system.
Hence, the term "scaffold protein" is derived from the concept of a biological scaffold acting as a support structure for other molecules, facilitating their interactions and contributing to various cellular processes.
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