Relationship of Structure to Function
The three-dimensional structure of a protein defines not only its size and shape, but also its function. One characteristic that affects function is the hydrophobicity of a protein, which is determined by the primary and secondary structure.The folding of a protein allows for interactions between amino acids that may be distant from each other in the primary sequence of the protein. In enzymes, some of these amino acids form a site in the structure that catalyzes the enzymatic reaction.
Picture shows the shape and structure of a coiling protein.
The chameleon is a good example of the relationship of structure to function. The accuracy performed by their tongue allows them to shoot their tongue out of their mouths nearly a foot long to catch insects. Skin pigment cells allows them to change color. They also can communicate with other chameleons through slight color changes.