Universality of thermodynamic constants governing biological growth rates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mathematical models exist that quantify the effect of temperature on poikilotherm growth rate. One family of such models assumes a single rate-limiting 'master reaction' using terms describing the temperature-dependent denaturation of the reaction's enzyme. We consider whether such a model can describe growth in each domain of life.

Methodology/principal findings

A new model based on this assumption and using a hierarchical Bayesian approach fits simultaneously 95 data sets for temperature-related growth rates of diverse microorganisms from all three domains of life, Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. Remarkably, the model produces credible estimates of fundamental thermodynamic parameters describing protein thermal stability predicted over 20 years ago.

Conclusion

SUBMITTER: Corkrey R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3279425 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature