2002-2003 Colloquium Series

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NAU Physicsal Sciences (Bldg 19, Rm 321), Monday, 25 November 2002, 4:00 PM
(Refreshments at 3:45pm)

Physics and Protein Science

Robert D. Young , Illinois State University.

Abstract

Proteins perform most of the functions of life. Extensive studeies of the structure, function and motions of myoblobin, as model systems, have resulted in a seminal concept of protein science, the hierarchical conformational energy landscape of proteins. Evidence is presented to show that protein motions can be slaved or non-slaved. Non-slaved protein motions are independent of solvent fluctuations. Slaved protein motions are crucial for protein function. A model, developed by Frauenfelder and collaborators, based on the hierarchical conformational energy landscape of proteins suggest how the protein controls its slaved motions by creating entropic barrieres.

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