ASL STEM

Definition

Proteins (also known as polypeptides) are organic compounds made of amino acids arranged in a linear chain polymer and joined together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is defined by the sequence of a gene, which is encoded in the genetic code. In general, the genetic code specifies 20 standard amino acids, however in certain organisms the genetic code can include selenocysteine -- and in certain archaea -- pyrrolysine. Shortly after or even during synthesis, the residues in a protein are often chemically modified by post-translational modification, which alter the physical and chemical properties, folding, stability, activity, and ultimately, the function of the proteins. Proteins can also work together to achieve a particular function, and they often associate to form stable complexes.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Example

Triose phosphate isomerase is an example of one of the many proteins found in the natural world.