Atomic force microscopy: mechanical unfolding of proteins.
Mechanical unfolding of proteins using atomic force microscopy is becoming a routine biophysical technique. Mechanistic investigations in this rapidly evolving field are beginning to resolve the factors that contribute to the behaviour of biological macromolecules under force. Here we describe the force-mode apparatus, the experimental set-up, tractable systems of study, and the analysis of the resultant force data. Finally we summarise some of the recent achievements and limitations of this technique.
Rounsevell
Ross
R
Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
Forman
Julia R
JR
Clarke
Jane
J
D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017510:Protein Folding; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
D011506:Proteins