Cyrus Chothia has shown how the amino sequences of proteins determine their structure, function and evolution. From an analysis of their structural regularities, he has developed a classification of protein structures that is now in general use. His picture of protein evolution suggests how proteins diverge and gain new functions. He has helped us to understand how their apparently limited set of slightly different structures allow immunoglobulins to recognise an almost limitless variety of different antigens.
Dr Cyrus Chothia FRS died on 25 November 2019.
