OBSOLETE. Any of a group of specific proteins that are synthesized by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells after they have been exposed to a temperature that is higher than normal. Other stresses, e.g. free radical damage, have a similar effect. Many members of the hsp family are not induced but are present in all cells. They are characterized by their role as molecular chaperones.
Source:ISBN:0198547684
Comment
This term was made obsolete because it represents a class of gene products rather than a molecular function.