ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

3D fold evolution

Okay kiddo, let me explain what 3D fold evolution means in a way that you can understand.

You know how when you draw a simple picture, it's usually just flat on the paper? Well, imagine if you could take that picture and make it go up and down and all around, like a sculpture! That's kind of what scientists mean when they talk about 3D fold evolution.

In science, we study things called proteins. These are really important because they do a lot of important jobs inside our bodies, like helping us digest our food or fighting off germs. Proteins are made up of a long chain of little tiny pieces called amino acids.

But here's the cool part: those long chains of amino acids can fold up into all kinds of different shapes! And here's the even cooler part: those shapes can change over time.

Scientists study the different ways that proteins can fold up, and how that folding might change over time. They call this "3D fold evolution." It's kind of like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly -- it starts as one thing, but transforms into something else.

By studying 3D fold evolution, scientists can learn more about how proteins work, and how they might change to adapt to new situations. This can help us develop new medicines or understand how diseases work.

So, just like how you might play with playdough and make it into different shapes, scientists study how proteins can change their shape over time. And that's 3D fold evolution!