Liquid-like side-chain dynamics in myoglobin

J Mol Biol. 1994 Sep 23;242(3):181-5. doi: 10.1006/jmbi.1994.1570.

Abstract

At temperatures above approximately 200 K the motions of atoms in globular proteins contain a non-vibrational component that gives rise to characteristic elastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering profiles. There is evidence that the non-vibrational dynamics is required for protein function. Here we show by analysing a molecular dynamics simulation of myoglobin that the neutron scattering results from liquid-like rigid-body motion of the protein side-chains.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Myoglobin / chemistry*
  • Neutrons
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Myoglobin