Conformational issues in the characterization of proteins

The conformation of a protein refers to the three-dimensional arrangement o f its constituent atoms. Since expression of the biological activity of a p rotein depends on its conformation, it is clear that full characterization of a protein involves an understanding of its three-dimensional structure. This review outlines the principal techniques for determining the conformat ion of a protein, describes the crucial role played by the flexibility of p roteins, and gives an account of current theories of the mechanisms by whic h proteins ford. A final section deals with strategies that can be adopted to preserve the conformational integrity of proteins; an aspect that is of increasing importance as a greater number of proteins are finding applicati ons in industrial processes and as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.