Energy issues when proteins bind together

Understanding what determines protein binding is a critical theme in biology. Through mutation and evolution, protein interactions have produced biological complexity.

Mutation could be a result of a change in protein structure at a critical location, affecting binding to another protein. This may be in the form of addition or removal of groups that stabilise the reaction, for example. The resulting change in binding energy could mean significant alterations in products and consequent pathways downstream.

Further details: Energy issues when proteins bind together