Folding of newly synthesized polypeptides in the crowded cellular environment requires the assistance of so-called molecular chaperone proteins. These proteins bind partially folded polypeptide in their central cavity and promote folding by ATP-dependent cycles of release and rebinding.

Hsp70 proteins can act to protect cells from thermal or oxidative stress. These stresses normally act to damage proteins, causing partial unfolding and possible aggregation.

Group I chaperonins are found in bacteria as well as organelles of endosymbiotic origin, mitochondria and chloroplasts, and consist of Hsp60 and its co-chaperone Hsp10. Hsp10 associates with Hsp60 to cap the cavity of Hsp60 to form the closed chaperonin cage in which denatured protein folds.

The structure of these chaperonins resemble two donuts stacked on top of one another to create a barrel. Each ring is composed of either 7, 8 or 9 subunits depending on the organism in which the chaperonin is found. Each ~60kDa peptide chain can be divided into three domains, apical, intermediate, and equatorial.

Despite the importance of chaperones, the rule still holds: the final shape of a protein is determined by only one thing: the precise sequence of amino acids in the protein. And the sequence of amino acids in every protein is dictated by the sequence of nucleotides in the gene encoding that protein.

The primary structure of a protein — its amino acid sequence — drives the folding and intramolecular bonding of the linear amino acid chain, which ultimately determines the protein’s unique three-dimensional shape. Folded proteins are stabilized by thousands of noncovalent bonds between amino acids.

14 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake

1. Eat your protein first.
2. Snack on cheese.
3. Replace cereal with eggs.
4. Top your food with chopped almonds.
5. Choose Greek yogurt.
6. Have a protein shake for breakfast.
7. Include a high protein food with every meal.
8. Choose leaner, slightly larger cuts of meat.

Depending on the recipe, it can be slightly high in salt, so it needs to be used sparingly if you’re watching your salt intake. Hummus contains some omega-3 fats, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, as well as most of the B vitamins.

One ingredient used in Sabra, however, does carry some health concerns: potassium sorbate. This preservative has been linked to migraines and stomach issues, and a recent study published in the journal Toxicology in Vitro found the additive to damage immune-system-regulating white blood cells.