Unified model of dynamic forced barrier crossing in single molecules

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 Apr 4;100(13):138302. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.138302. Epub 2008 Apr 3.

Abstract

Thermally activated barrier crossing in the presence of an increasing load can reveal kinetic rate constants and energy barrier parameters when repeated over a range of loading rates. Here we derive a model of the mean escape force for all relevant loading rates-the complete force spectrum. Two well-known approximations emerge as limiting cases, one of which confirms predictions that single-barrier spectra should converge to a phenomenological description in the slow loading limit.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Avidin / chemistry
  • Biotin / chemistry
  • Diffusion
  • Kinetics
  • Linear Models
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Protein Folding
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Avidin
  • Biotin