Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024

Source: This post on Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 has been created based on the article “AI to decipher, synthesise proteins: What the 2024 Chemistry Nobel was awarded for” published in Indian Express on 10^th October 2024.

Why in news?

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper. Baker was recognised for advancements in computational protein design. Hassabis and Jumper were honoured for breakthroughs in protein structure prediction.

What is their contribution?

1. David Baker’s Contribution: Baker’s team at the University of Washington developed methods for designing new proteins in 2003. David Baker developed computational methods to design entirely new proteins that do not exist in nature.

2. Baker’s synthetic proteins can be engineered to perform specific functions, such as breaking down non-biodegradable plastics or tackling disease-causing proteins.

3. This approach offers a more efficient alternative to natural evolutionary processes, which require multiple mutations and extensive time.

4. Demis Hassabis and John Jumper’s Contribution: Hassabis and Jumper were recognised for developing AlphaFold 2, an AI model that predicts protein structures.

About AlphaFold

1. AlphaFold relies on databases of known protein structures and amino acid sequences, using this data to train and improve predictive accuracy.

2. This tool marks a significant shift from traditional methods like x-ray crystallography, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

About Protein Structure

1. Proteins are essential molecules that play crucial roles in biological functions across all living organisms

2. It is composed of 20 amino acids. Proteins functions are determined by their specific sequences and folded structures.

3. Previous research demonstrated that amino acid sequences dictate protein structures, which in turn define their functions.

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