title: Cubic equation governing the outer-region dielectric constant of globular proteins.
abstract: Based on the Fröhlich-Kirkwood theory of dielectrics and homogenization theory, a cubic equation is proposed for the outer-region dielectric constant of a globular protein in aqueous solution. The results for simple test cases confirm that a soluble globular protein may be considered to consist of a hydrophobic core surrounded by a hydrophilic external surface. Considering the widespread debate and ambiguity about the dielectric constant of proteins, the equation is expected to provide a straightforward way to determine the critical parameter for characterizing the relaxation of a protein in response to a charged perturbation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Kunja-Dong, Kwangjin-Ku, Seoul 143-747, Korea. hspark@sejong.ac.kr
authors.forename: Hwangseo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Young Ho
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Jeon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D012996:Solutions