![]() Albany 2013: Book of Abstracts![]() Conversation 18 June 11-15 2013 ©Adenine Press (2012) Dominant Forces in Protein FoldingIn the first part of this talk I will discuss the need for a paradigm shift from hydrophobic ((HφO) ) to a hydrophilic ( HφI) based theory of protein folding. Next, I will discuss the various types of solvent-induced forces that are exerted on various groups on the protein. It is argued, both theoretically and by simulations that the HφI - HφI solvent-induced forces are likely to be the strongest. Therefore, it is suggesred that these forces are also the forces that force the protein to fold, in a short time, along a narrow range of pathways. This paradigm shift also answers Levinthal's question about the factors that "speed" and "guide" the folding of proteins.
References
A. Ben-Naim (2012). Levinthal’s Question Revisited, and Answered. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 30, 113-124. doi.10.1080/07391102.2012.674286 A. Ben-Naim (2013). The Protein Folding Problem and its Solutions. World Scientific, Singapore. A. Ben-Naim (2011). Molecular Theory of Water and Aqueous Solutions; Part II: The Role of Water in Protein folding Self assembly and Molecular Recognition. World Scientific, Singapore. Arieh Ben-Naim Department of Physical Chemistry |