Mapping the protein universe
Friday, October 9, 2015 - 06:30
in Biology & Nature
To understand how life works, figure out the proteins first. DNA is the architect of life, but proteins are the workhorses. After proteins are built using DNA blueprints, they are constantly at work breaking down and building up all parts of the cell—ferrying oxygen around the body, sending signals to patch wounds, transmitting thoughts across neurons, breaking down oil or cellulose, and creating biofuels for energy.