Mechanical unfolding and refolding of proteins: An off-lattice model study
Abstract
Using an off-lattice model, we investigate the response of a protein molecule to external stretching and release. In particular we study the passive force in a protein as a function of the extension of the protein. These force-extension curves exhibit hysteresis loops, whose areas increase with the pulling rate and decrease with thermal noise. Most of these results seem to be appropriately described by a cusp catastrophe.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review E
- Pub Date:
- February 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevE.63.021905
- Bibcode:
- 2001PhRvE..63b1905L
- Keywords:
-
- 87.15.He;
- 87.15.Cc;
- 87.15.La;
- 47.50.+d;
- Dynamics and conformational changes;
- Folding and sequence analysis;
- Mechanical properties