Structure of fibroblast growth factor. Figure is a stylized computer- graphics representation of the 
three-dimensional structure of human fibroblast growth factor. The core of the molecule, consist- 
ing of a series of 12 extended segments (shown as arrows ), appears to be common to a number of 
growth factors. The loop-like connections on the surface include the receptor-binding region and 
the heparin- binding region, which are seen to be far apart. 
Research and photograph by Elizabeth Eriksson and Larry Weaver in the laboratory of Brian W. 
Matthews. 
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