It can not be detected or analyzed with the use of homologous modeling or analytical quantification for the molecular conformation is unknown.
These processes are commonly executed intracellularly, however, dark proteins are over-represented in the extra-cellular matrix and on the endoplasmic reticulum.
[1] Dark proteins behave similarly to polymers and are capable of taking on many if not infinite conformations form due to the adaptability of the polypeptide chain.
[3] This is due to the lack of structure which provides flexibility and maneuverability which aids in certain ribosomal and cellular processes.
"Dark proteins are mostly unknown unknowns"[1] Currently only computational and analytical techniques such infrared (IR), circular dichroism (CR), mass spectrometry (MS), single-molecule experiment, wide-angle X-ray scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel filtration.