Physical models of protein folding within the energy landscape theory

The energy landscape theory of protein fol9.ing is based on a statistical description of a protein's complex potential energy surface. Individual folding events are sampled from an ensemble of possible routes on the landscape. The theory suggests that the landscape of a protein can be described as that of a partially random heteropolymer with a rugged, yet funnelled landscape towards the native structure. The quantitative aspects of folding are developed using tools from the statistical mechanics of disordered systems, polymers, and phase transitions of finite systems. The theory provides an interpretation of results from fast folding experiments as well as minimalist models used in computer simulations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Plotkin, Steven S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wolynes, P.G.

• protein folding
• energy landscape theory
• potential energy surface
• partially random heteropolymer

Statement dc:rights

• ©1998 Plotkin

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

4161509

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/30847