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The distribution of charged groups in proteins
Author(s) -
Barlow D. J.,
Thornton J. M.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
biopolymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1097-0282
pISSN - 0006-3525
DOI - 10.1002/bip.360250913
Subject(s) - polarity (international relations) , chemistry , dipole , charge density , asymmetry , charge (physics) , chemical physics , molecule , charged particle , electric charge , function (biology) , statistical physics , molecular physics , physics , ion , biochemistry , organic chemistry , evolutionary biology , quantum mechanics , biology , cell
The distributions of charged groups in 32 proteins of known three‐dimensional structure have been analyzed to determine how regularly the groups are spread over the molecule's surfaces, and to identify and to study those proteins where charge asymmetry would seem important for their function. The distributions have been analyzed in terms of charge “polarity,” surface “charge density,” and electric dipole moments. More detailed studies of the distributions for individual proteins are made using map projections specifically developed for this purpose. In the light of the results obtained we discuss the role of charged groups in relation to protein function.