The linear peptide chain of proteins folds into stable, biologically active structures. The mechanism of this action is an important field of study. Dr. Terwilliger will directly test the hypotheses which propose specific roles for certain amino acids residues or groups of residues in the folding and stability of various protins. The experimental work will be complemented by theoretical calculations on the relative stabilities of the various folded proteins. This approach is unique in that it directly tests models for the folding of proteins and will yield a detailed description of the importance of particular amino acids in the folding process.
