Proteins are the building blocks of the body. The structure of the body cells is made up by collagen, a protein. The antibodies, the protective immune force in the body, are proteins. Haemoglobin, the transport mechanism, that reaches oxygen to the body tissues, is a protein. Hormones secreted directly in the body and enzymes, which are bio-catalysts are proteins. Proteins enable the muscles to contract and move. Proteins are vital nutrients which must be consumed in adequate quantities everyday to maintain a healthy life.

DeepMind, an AI subsidiary of Google, published in July, 2022 a free online database of the structures of more than 200 million proteins known to mankind. It developed AlphaFold, an AI that forecasts the likely shapes of proteins. It is not sufficient to know which amino acids make up a protein. It is more important to know how these string together and in what sequence. That decides how the protein would work.

DNA codes specific protein inside the cell. In Covishield Vaccine for Covid19, DNA was sent in a viral body to trigger the reaction of producing antibodies which protect against the alien presence. DNA produces mRNA, a messenger ribonucleic acid to instruct cells to produce the spike protein. As mRNA is less stable, it requires storage at ultra-low temperatures.

Protein database over which Google has created no IPR provides research opportunities to biosciences, chemistry and computer scientists to produce medicines and drugs for healthcare.

The shapes of proteins provide us an understanding of how a parasite works or how a pathogen produces diseases. We can then produce protein which will counter these.

India has got a pool of talented manpower in biotechnology. Even those Indians working abroad can come back and can opt for work in this field. ISER offers interdisciplinary courses courses in chemistry and biosciences. India has the highest pool of trainable young people.