Nature's Robots: A History of ProteinsProteins are amazingly versatile molecules. They make the chemical reactions happen that form the basis for life, they transmit signals in the body, they identify and kill foreign invaders, they form the engines that make us move, and they record visual images. All of this is now common knowledge, but it was not so a hundred years ago. Nature's Robots is an authoritative history of protein science, from the origins of protein research in the nineteenth century, when the chemical constitution of 'protein' was first studied and heatedly debated and when there was as yet no glimmer of the functional potential of substances in the 'protein' category, to the determination of the first structures of individual proteins at atomic resolution - when positions of individual atoms were first specified exactly and bonding between neighbouring atoms precisely defined. Tanford and Reynolds, who themselves made major contributions to the golden age of protein science, have written a remarkably vivid account of this history. It is a fascinating story, involving heroes from the past, working mostly alone or in small groups, usually with little support from formal research groups. It is also a story that embraces a number of historically important scientific controversies. Written in clear and accessible prose, Nature's Robots will appeal to general readers with an interest in popular science, in addition to professional scientists and historians of science. |
Contents
The peptide bond | |
Proteins are true macromolecules | |
Bristling with charges | |
Fibrous proteins | |
Amino acid sequence | |
Subunits and domains | |
Detailed structure | |
Early approaches to protein folding | |
Hydrogen bonds and the αhelix | |
Irving Langmuir and the hydrophobic factor | |
Threedimensional structure | |
Physiological function | |
Analytical imperative | |
An ancient and manysided science | |
Other editions - View all
Nature's Robots: A History of Proteins Charles Tanford,Jacqueline A. Reynolds,Jacqueline Reynolds No preview available - 2003 |
Nature's Robots: A History of Proteins Charles Tanford,Jacqueline Ann Reynolds No preview available - 2001 |
Common terms and phrases
actin active actually albumin American American Chemical Society amino acids analysis antibody atoms basis became become Bernal binding biology blood bonds called Cambridge cell Chapter charges chemical chemistry chromatography colloid colour complete component concept contain course crystalline crystals cytochrome b5 defined detailed determination direct early effect enzymes example existence fact fibres field Fischer followed force function genetic given groups haemoglobin hydrogen bonds idea important included insulin interest involved ions Journal known laboratory later lecture measured mechanism membrane method molecular weight molecules muscle myosin Nature Nobel obtained organic original Pauling peptide physical physiology polypeptide chains possible principle problem Proceedings protein published question reference result scientific separation sequence single solution specific structure studies substances suggested synthesis theory University X-ray York