Entropically driven helix formation.

Yehuda Snir; Randall D Kamien

doi:10.1126/science.1106243

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Entropically driven helix formation.

Yehuda Snir·Randall D Kamien

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Abstract

The helix is a ubiquitous motif for biopolymers. We propose a heuristic, entropically based model that predicts helix formation in a system of hard spheres and semiflexible tubes. We find that the entropy of the spheres is maximized when short stretches of the tube form a helix with a geometry close to that found in natural helices. Our model could be directly tested with wormlike micelles as the tubes, and the effect could be used to self-assemble supramolecular helices.

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Colloids Entropy Microspheres Models, Chemical Molecular Conformation Polymers Protein Folding Protein Structure, Secondary Proteins Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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Yehuda Snir, Randall D Kamien. 2005-02-18. Entropically driven helix formation.. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1106243

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