it can be concluded they was the same protein. When Protein Z was first discovered, it was theorized to be a form of Factor X instead of its own individual protein. Research had to be done to isolate this protein to find out if it was a form of Factor X or not. To test this, Vitamin K dependents were removed from the sample by adsorption to barium citrate, then an ion exchange chromatography was performed. This process showed that there was no Factor X in the isolated protein. The purified Protein Z in this experiment was distinct from Factor X, proving it was a separate protein. Structure Structural analysis of Protein Z will allow better understanding of its function. The Ramachandran plot for Protein Z indicates it will form alpha helices. The final structure, all alpha domain, was determined by x-ray diffraction. It consists of chain A and B, which are both helix-loop-helix motifs. The secondary structures of this protein are color coded in the image in the top left; pink represents the strands, yellow represents alpha helices and white is the coils. Health There are many reasons that Protein Z is important to our bodies and our health. In pregnancy it is vital that the protein is functioning correctly. It has been found that if it isn't functioning correctly, it can lead to fetal death or hypersensitive disorders in pregnancy. This happens because when the levels of this protein drop too low, it can lead to fetal growth restrictions. Another possible effect is having a high sensitivity to this protein which could correlate with diabetes. In women diagnosed with ovarian cancers, it was found the protein was inhibiting Factor Xa which happens because there is a lower regulation of this protein in cancer cells. References External links Human Protein Reference Database Coagulation system