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Protein Organization

Protein Organization

Protein and Protein Structure

Protein and Protein Structure

Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...

Protein Organization

Protein Organization

Protein Organization

Protein Organization

Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular transport, catalysis, and structural support. Proteins have a hierarchical structure comprising at least three levels of organization: primary, secondary, and tertiary structure. Some large proteins have a quaternary structure where individual protein subunits are linked together.
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.

Protein and Protein Structures

Protein and Protein Structures

Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...

Protein Organization

Protein Organization

Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular transport, catalysis, and structural support. Proteins have a hierarchical structure comprising at least three levels of organization: primary, secondary, and tertiary structure. Some large proteins have a quaternary structure where individual protein subunits are linked together.
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Published on: April 26, 2013

The nuclear matrix: three-dimensional architecture and protein composition

D G Capco, K M Wan, S Penman

|July 1, 1982

Summary

Researchers isolated the nuclear matrix, a filament network within the cell nucleus, by preserving its connection to the cytoskeleton. This method effectively removed most DNA and histones, revealing the nuclear matrix structure and protein composition.

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Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

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Published on: July 16, 2017

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

The nucleus contains a structural filament network.
This network is connected to the cytoskeleton.
Previous methods for isolating the nuclear matrix were harsh.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a gentle method for isolating the nuclear matrix.
To characterize the protein composition of the nuclear matrix.
To investigate the relationship between the nuclear matrix and cytoskeleton.

Main Methods:

Prepared the nuclear filament network while connected to the cytoskeleton.
Used a double detergent to separate the nuclear matrix from the cytoskeleton.
Utilized nuclease and high salt to partition the nuclear matrix into chromatin and matrix fractions.
Analyzed protein composition using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Main Results:

A gentle procedure removed approximately 98% of DNA and 86% of histones.
The nuclear matrix is a 3D anastomosing network of filaments (3-22 nm diameter) enmeshing nucleoli.
Proteins of the cytoskeleton, chromatin, and nuclear matrix were found to be distinct.
Actin was identified as a major protein in all fractions.
Vimentin was predominantly associated with the nuclear matrix.

Conclusions:

The nuclear matrix is a distinct structural component of the nucleus.
The nuclear matrix is biochemically different from chromatin and the cytoskeleton.
Vimentin is a key protein component of the nuclear matrix.
The developed method allows for gentle isolation and characterization of the nuclear matrix.