XPA Protein
This page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
This page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
What is a protein?
Proteins are molecular machines that allow all living things to function. Proteins are complex structures that are composed of different combinations and amounts of amino acids. The high complexity of these sequences allows for proteins to aid in a wide variety of biological processes.
There are four substructures that make up the overall structure of a protein:
Primary: The order of amino acids in the protein; simply the linear string of nucleotides Secondary: The basic 3D structure of a protein. There are two types, either a beta-sheet or an alpha-helix. Tertiary: The final 3D shape of the protein. This shape usually involves intricate folding patterns that contribute to the way the protein functions. Quaternary: The structure that is formed when multiple proteins interact with each other. |
The XPA Protein
The XPA protein is a part of nucleotide excision repair, which is a complex DNA repair process. This process removes DNA damage from the genome that is caused by UV light. A mutation in the XPA protein (and some other nucleotide excision repair proteins) causes this DNA repair process to be nonfunctional. Individuals affected by xeroderma pigmentosum cannot be exposed to any agent that can cause UV damage to the genome because they do not have a functional repair mechanism.
The XPA protein quite small, with only 273 amino acids. [1] This short sequence is of utmost importance, however, and contributes significantly to DNA repair.
Site Created By: Sarah Drewes
Contact: [email protected]
Last Modified: 05/18/14
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Contact: [email protected]
Last Modified: 05/18/14
University of Wisconsin-Madison