Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi.

I am wondering if there is any type of program or list that will show you the function of a particular polypeptide sequence. For example, leu, val, ala=control nerve impulses( that's not right, but I'm wondering if anything works that way). Or, if I'm completely out of my mind, please tell me! Thanks!!

Mr.Ocax

Hi, there are several programs/databases that can help you to discover what functions particular protein sequences have, as related sequences often have similar functions. Try searching for "prosite" or "pfam" on google - that should take you to some sites which have a lot of information about these things.

Here's a site that has links to lots of different databases:
http://www.123genomics.com/files/databases.html
The protein databases are about a third of the way down the page. The site also has a page dedicated to protein analysis databases, located at http://www.123genomics.com/files/analysis.html

You can also try http://www.paralign.org/index.php

You may have to dig a bit to find what you're looking for, but hopefully this will give you a direction to start.

Good luck!
Sonia

Thanks! I don't mind digging through lots of info, as long as I find what I'm looking for! Thank you again

Mr.Ocax