N-terminus
Protein's amino end
The N-terminus is the end of a protein or peptide chain that has a free amino group, as opposed to the C-terminus with its free carboxyl group.
Proteins are synthesized from N-terminus to C-terminus, and this directionality matters for how the molecule folds and functions.
The signal sequence at the N-terminus directs the protein to its destination.
modification
Acetyl group attachment
- signal peptideProtein sorting tag
- proteolysisEnzymatic protein breakdown
- methylationAttaching a methyl group
- processingSystematic operation on data
structure
Amino acid connection
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- residueMatter left behind
- protein foldingChain becoming functional structure
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
translation
Sulfur-bearing essential amino-acid
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- mRNAGene's working copy
- protein synthesisAssembling amino acid chains
analysis
Determining element order
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- fingerprintingRecording unique digit patterns
acetylation
Acetyl group attachment
- signal peptideProtein sorting tag
- proteolysisEnzymatic protein breakdown
- methylationAttaching a methyl group
peptide bond
Amino acid connection
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- residueMatter left behind
- protein foldingChain becoming functional structure
methionine
Sulfur-bearing essential amino-acid
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- mRNAGene's working copy
protein synthesis · open reading frame · upstream · elongation
sequencing
Determining element order
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- fingerprintingRecording unique digit patterns
- proteinsprotein, proteins, albumin, collagen, casein
- peptidespeptides, polypeptides, polypeptide, dipeptide, tripeptide
- amino acidsalanine, arginine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine
- collagencollagen, type I collagen, triple helix, collagen production, collagenase
terminal, terminate, termination, terminated, C-terminus, N-terminal, terminus, terminating, nitrogen