Molecular chaperones are a diverse group of proteins that assist in the correct folding of nascent polypeptides and the refolding or degradation of misfolded proteins. Unlike enzymes, they do not catalyze specific biochemical reactions but instead facilitate the correct assembly or disassembly of other macromolecular structures. Key classes of chaperones include Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs), such as HSP70 and HSP90, which are named for their induction under stress conditions.
