Abstract
We introduce a simulation strategy to consistently couple continuum biomembrane dynamics to the motion of discrete biological macromolecules residing within or on the membrane. The methodology is used to study the diffusion of integral membrane proteins that impart a curvature on the bilayer surrounding them. Such proteins exhibit a substantial reduction in diffusion coefficient relative to “flat” proteins; this effect is explained by elementary hydrodynamic considerations.
- Received 18 November 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.138102
©2009 American Physical Society