The cry gene of B. thuringiensis produces a protein, which forms crystalline inclusions in the bacterial spores. These crystal proteins are responsible for the insecticidal activities of the bacterial strains.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8761

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

The Hydrophobic Effect Has the Greatest Influence on Protein Stability. The hydrophobic effect, which causes nonpolar substances to minimize their contacts with water, is the major determinant of native protein structure.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8762

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Thermostable proteins have such a high incidence of salt bridges.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8763

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Thermophilic proteins have increased amounts of Arg, increased occurrence of Ala in helices, and Gly/Ala substitutions (which affect the entropy of the denatured state, and thus its free energy) and increased number of salt bridges. 

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8764

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Some thermostable proteins are stabilized by an increased size of the protein’s hydrophobic core, an increased size of the interface between its domains and/or subunits, and a more tightly packed core as evidenced by a reduced surface-to-volume ratio.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8765

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Disulfide bonds are believed to increase the stability of the native state by decreasing the conformational entropy of the unfolded state due to the conformational constraints imposed by cross-linking (i. e. decreasing the free energy of the unfolded state).  

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8766

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Most protein have "loops" introduced by disulfides of about 15 residues