Brownian dynamics of subunit addition-loss kinetics and thermodynamics in linear polymer self-assembly.

ABSTRACT: The structure and free energy of multistranded linear polymer ends evolves as individual subunits are added and lost. Thus, the energetic state of the polymer end is not constant, as assembly theory has assumed. Here we utilize a Brownian dynamics approach to simulate the addition and loss of individual subunits at the polymer tip. Using the microtubule as a primary example, we examined how the structure of the polymer tip dictates the rate at which units are added to and lost from individual protofilaments. We find that freely diffusing subunits arrive less frequently to lagging protofilaments but bind more efficiently, such that there is no kinetic difference between leading and lagging protofilaments within a tapered tip. However, local structure at the nanoscale has up to an order-of-m

SUBMITTER: Castle BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3853320 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature