  This chapter gives a graceful introduction to problem of protein three-
dimensional structure prediction, and focuses on how to make structural sense
out of a single input sequence with unknown structure, the 'query' or 'target'
sequence. We give an overview of the different classes of modelling techniques,
notably template-based and template free. We also discuss the way in which
structural predictions are validated within the global com- munity, and
elaborate on the extent to which predicted structures may be trusted and used
in practice. Finally we discuss whether the concept of a sin- gle fold
pertaining to a protein structure is sustainable given recent insights. In
short, we conclude that the general protein three-dimensional structure
prediction problem remains unsolved, especially if we desire quantitative
predictions. However, if a homologous structural template is available in the
PDB model or reasonable to high accuracy may be generated.

Biomolecules