Structural Features of Myoglobin (PDB entry 1mbn)

Many of the basic principles of protein folding and stability were discovered in the structure of myoglobin. Use the buttons below to explore some of these structural features.

Many protein chains fold into a stable, globular structure. To see this, show all atoms (protein is in pink and heme is in red).
Proteins have a hierarchical structure, with the chain folding into local secondary structures that maximize the number of internal hydrogen bonds, which then fold into the globular tertiary structure. To see this, show alpha helices, with hydrogen bonds in dotted lines.
Specialized amino acids are perfectly placed to perform the function of the protein. To see this, show the two histidines that coordinate the iron and oxygen.
Charged amino acids are arranged on the surface of the protein, and amino acids with opposite charges (colored blue and red here) often form salt bridges.
Carbon-rich amino acids are arranged on the interior of the protein, sheltered from the surrounding water.