Abstract
In this paper, we propose a simple statistical mechanical model to study the conformation transition between the helix, sheet, and random coil in homopolypeptides. In our model, five parameters are introduced to obtain the partition function. There are two factors for helical propagation and initiation, which are the same as those used in the Zimm-Bragg model, and three newly introduced parameters for structures: the strand propagation factor for residues in strands and two correction factors for the initiation effect of the strand and sheet. Our model shows that the variation of these parameters may induce conformation transition from helix or random coil to sheet. The sharpness of the transition depends on the initiation factors.
- Received 5 June 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.78.051904
©2008 American Physical Society