zlacker

>>MindGo+(OP)
Can someone put AlphaFold's problem space into perspective for me?

Why is protein folding important? Theoretical importance? Can we do something with protein folding knowledge? If so, what?

I've been hearing about AlphaFold from the CS side. There they seem to focus on protein folding primarily as an interesting space to apply their CS efforts.

>>dalbas+l7
Proteins are what makes everything in a cell work. They are produced as a "linear" structure that must fold into a proper shape to execute its function, such as acting as a pore that only lets a specific chemical through the cell membrane.

The importance here is to figure out potential targets for treatments that take into account particularities of certain proteins. That could produce better drugs with less side effects.