Abstract
Using an off-lattice model, we investigate the response of a protein molecule to external stretching and release. In particular we study the passive force in a protein as a function of the extension of the protein. These force-extension curves exhibit hysteresis loops, whose areas increase with the pulling rate and decrease with thermal noise. Most of these results seem to be appropriately described by a cusp catastrophe.
- Received 27 December 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.021905
©2001 American Physical Society