Simple model of protein folding kinetics.
A simple model of the kinetics of protein folding is presented. The reaction coordinate is the "correctness" of a configuration compared with the native state. The model has a gap in the energy spectrum, a large configurational entropy, a free energy barrier between folded and partially folded states, and a good thermodynamic folding transition. Folding kinetics is described by a master equation. The folding time is estimated by means of a local thermodynamic equilibrium assumption and then is calculated both numerically and analytically by solving the master equation. The folding time has a maximum near the folding transition temperature and can have a minimum at a lower temperature.
Zwanzig
R
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Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA.
D007700:Kinetics; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D017510:Protein Folding; D013696:Temperature; D013816:Thermodynamics; D013997:Time Factors