The body carries out these instructions via proteins. Genes encode for proteins. All living organisms are composed largely of proteins. They have three main cellular functions. Enzymes are proteins.
Proteins provide cell structure and are involved in cell signaling and cell communication functions.
Proteins are important to researchers because they are the link between genes and pharmaceutical development. They indicate which genes are expressed or are being used. They are important for understanding gene function. They also have unique shapes or structures. Understanding these structures and how potential pharmaceuticals will bind to them is a key element in drug design.