Final answer:
Chaperones are proteins that assist in the proper folding of newly synthesized proteins, preventing them from aggregating incorrectly, which ensures their functionality and prevents harmful configurations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proteins that prevent newly synthesized proteins from forming inappropriate interactions with neighboring molecules are called chaperones. Proteins are large biological molecules that carry out a myriad of functions within organisms, and their proper function is contingent upon their three-dimensional structure, which is achieved through a process called protein folding.
Chaperones are crucial in this process as they assist in the folding of proteins. They ensure that proteins do not aggregate incorrectly, which can lead to nonfunctional or harmful configurations. Chaperones associate with the target protein during folding and help guide it toward the correct shape, preventing dysfunction caused by environmental conditions such as changes in pH or high temperatures. Once the protein is properly folded, the chaperones disassociate, allowing the protein to execute its designated function within the cell.