Principles of Protein Structural Organization - H. Schultz 1982

Models, Depiction, and Documentation of Protein Structures
Abstract Concepts of Chain Folding
Conclusion

Protein structures contain a vast Amount of Information encoded in the names and coordinates of many thousands of atoms. Such a massive dataset can only be processed using computer technology. However, since researchers need to evaluate, compare, and assimilate the processed structural data, clear visual representations of spatial structures are essential. These representations should ideally convey only those structural features that are relevant to a specific study. The ultimate simplified model of a protein's spatial architecture is a structural mock-up.

The types of structural descriptions used can be classified according to their dimensionality. Three-dimensional models of atomic and bond arrangements are most useful when investigating Structure/156.html">Protein Interactions with ligands, such as substrates, Cofactors, or other molecules. Obviously, when working extensively with a particular protein whose structure is already known, it makes sense to build a physical model based on atomic coordinates. For publication purposes, two-dimensional images are used. Certain 2D images can evoke a three-dimensional perception—for instance, through stereoscopic drawings or by projecting a rotating object onto a television screen. In addition to models that capture the spatial positions of atoms and polypeptide chains, there are numerous other representations—mostly two-dimensional or even one-dimensional—used to describe various aspects of Cell/13.html">Protein Structure or function.