Works in Progress Podcast Proteins: Weird blobs that do important things
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Sep 3, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of proteins as they unfold like a vibrant city’s layout. Discover how proteins fold into complex shapes, impacting everything from medicine to cooking. Learn about the largest human protein, Titan, and its astonishing structure. Explore the swift and precise actions of enzymes, the unsung heroes of biochemistry. The episode also touches on the intriguing interplay between mRNA size and micro proteins, inviting you to ponder the boundaries of protein function.
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Cells Are Crowded Molecular Cities
- Cells are densely packed 'cities' with billions of molecules performing distinct roles.
- Proteins dominate the non-water mass and drive most cellular functions.
Proteins Outweigh DNA Inside Cells
- A bacterium's interior is ~70% water and the rest is mainly proteins and RNA packed into a tiny volume.
- DNA makes up only about 1% of that volume, emphasizing proteins' dominance.
Shape Determines Protein Function
- Proteins are linear chains of amino acids that fold into specific 3D shapes.
- That folded shape creates pockets and surfaces that determine a protein's function.
