Figure 3.10A Primary Structure Specifies Tertiary Structure

Original Papers: Anfinsen, C. B., E. Haber, M. Sela and F. White, Jr. 1961. The kinetics of formation of native ribonuclease during oxidation of the reduced polypeptide chain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 47: 1,309–1,314.

White, Jr., F. 1961. Regeneration of native secondary and tertiary structures by air oxidation of reduced ribonuclease. Journal of Biological Chemistry 236: 1,353–1,360.

Using the protein ribonuclease, Christian Anfinsen showed that proteins spontaneously fold into functionally correct three-dimensional configurations. As long as the primary structure is not disrupted, the information for correct folding (under the right conditions) is retained.