Funnels in Energy Landscapes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a formal definition of 'folding funnels' in energy landscapes, linking local minima and saddle points to better understand biopolymer folding dynamics.

Contribution

It provides a concise, mathematically rigorous definition of folding funnels consistent with biological literature, enhancing the understanding of energy landscape topology.

Findings

Defines folding funnels in terms of minima and saddle points

Connects mathematical framework with biological concepts

Facilitates analysis of folding pathways

Abstract

Local minima and the saddle points separating them in the energy landscape are known to dominate the dynamics of biopolymer folding. Here we introduce a notion of a "folding funnel" that is concisely defined in terms of energy minima and saddle points, while at the same time conforming to a notion of a "folding funnel" as it is discussed in the protein folding literature.