Thermodynamic procedure to synthesize heteropolymers that can renature to recognize a given target molecule.

Pande, V S; Grosberg, A Y; Tanaka, T · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1994

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We suggest a procedure to synthesize polymers with characteristics similar to those observed in globular proteins: renaturability and the existence of an "active site" capable of specifically recognizing a given target molecule. This procedure is investigated by computer simulation, which finds a yield of up to 65%. We believe that, in principle, this scheme can be realized in vitro. The applicability of this approach as a model of prebiotic synthesis in vivo is also discussed.

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