Is the molten globule a third phase of proteins?
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 9465042.
- Also identified by PMC identifier 19058.
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Abstract
The equilibrium properties of proteins are studied by Monte Carlo simulation of two simplified models of protein-like heteropolymers. These models emphasize the polymeric entropy of the fluctuating polypeptide chain. Our calculations suggest a generic phase diagram that contains a thermodynamically distinct "molten globule" state in addition to a rigid native state and a nontrivial unfolded state. The roles of side-chain packing and loop entropy are discussed.
Medical subject headings
- Proteins