Proteins and Proteomics

Proteins are the fundamental workhorses of life, complex macromolecules built from chains of amino acids that fold into precise three-dimensional structures to carry out a vast array of cellular tasks, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structural integrity, and transmitting signals. Proteomics is the large-scale, system-wide study of these proteins, investigating the entire protein complement (the proteome) of a cell or organism at a specific point in time. By analyzing protein expression levels, modifications, interactions, and localization, proteomics provides a dynamic and functional snapshot of biological systems, offering critical insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern health and disease.