List of Unsolved Problems in Chemistry - Biochemistry Problems

Biochemistry Problems

  • Better-than perfect enzymes: Why do some enzymes exhibit faster-than-diffusion kinetics? See Enzyme kinetics.
  • What is the origin of homochirality in amino acids and sugars?
  • Protein folding problem: Is it possible to predict the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of a polypeptide sequence based solely on the sequence and environmental information? Inverse protein-folding problem: Is it possible to design a polypeptide sequence which will adopt a given structure under certain environmental conditions?
  • RNA folding problem: Is it possible to accurately predict the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of a polyribonucleic acid sequence based on its sequence and environment?
  • What are the chemical origins of life? How did non-living chemical compounds generate self-replicating, complex life forms?

Read more about this topic:  List Of Unsolved Problems In Chemistry

Famous quotes containing the word problems:

    Sustained unemployment not only denies parents the opportunity to meet the food, clothing, and shelter needs of their children but also denies them the sense of adequacy, belonging, and worth which being able to do so provides. This increases the likelihood of family problems and decreases the chances of many children to be adequately prepared for school.
    James P. Comer (20th century)