Stabilization of Helical Macromolecular Phases by Confined Bending

Matthew J. Williams and Michael Bachmann
Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 048301 – Published 21 July 2015

Abstract

By means of extensive replica-exchange simulations of generic coarse-grained models for helical polymers, we systematically investigate the structural transitions into all possible helical phases for flexible and semiflexible elastic polymers with self-interaction under the influence of torsion barriers. The competing interactions lead to a variety of conformational phases including disordered helical arrangements, single helices, and ordered, tertiary helix bundles. Most remarkably, we find that a bending restraint entails a clear separation and stabilization of the helical phases. This aids in understanding why semiflexible polymers such as double-stranded DNA tend to form pronounced helical structures and proteins often exhibit an abundance of helical structures, such as helix bundles, within their tertiary structure.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 18 March 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.048301

© 2015 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Matthew J. Williams1,* and Michael Bachmann1,2,3,†

  • 1Soft Matter Systems Research Group, Center for Simulational Physics, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
  • 2Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, 78060-900 Cuiabá (MT), Brazil
  • 3Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 115, Iss. 4 — 24 July 2015

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×