Protein Folding

Proteins are one of the most basic components of all living cells and therefore serve a vital purpose in the cells of animals, plants and bacteria. They are comprised of chains of amino acids, which are held together by ribosome. These chains have many different patterns, which are known as `folds.' These folds are complicated, and therefore susceptible to irregularities that are known to be the source of many diseases. Cystic fibrosis, mad cow disease, Alzheimer's disease, emphysema and others are all initiated by improper protein folds. It is clear that, improving our understanding of protein folding is a key to fighting these diseases. This book presents recently performed research from around the world on this important subject.