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AAT Bioquest

What is an unfolded protein called?

Posted August 25, 2021


Answer

An unfolded protein is called a random coil. In this conformation, the monomer subunits are oriented randomly. Although each monomer is still bonded to adjacent subunits, it does not have a fixed folding pattern. The name ‘random coil’ refers to the fact that without specific stabilizing interactions, the monomer subunits will randomly attempt all possible conformations.

 

Additional resources

Unfolded Protein Response-Dependent Communication and Contact among Endoplasmic Reticulum, Mitochondria, and Plasma Membrane