Folding (chemistry)

How a molecule assumes its conformation

In chemistry, folding is the process by which a molecule assumes its shape or conformation. The process can also be described as intramolecular self-assembly, a type of molecular self-assembly, where the molecule is directed to form a specific shape through noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, metal coordination, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, pi-pi interactions, and electrostatic effects. The most active area of interest in the folding of molecules is the process of protein folding, which analyses the specific sequences of amino acids in a protein.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA. More on occurri.