Discontinuous transitions: Multiphasic profiles for channels, binding, pH, folding and chain length

TL;DR

This paper argues that many biological and physical processes involving ion channels, binding, pH, folding, and chain length are better represented by multiphasic profiles with straight-line segments and discontinuous jumps, challenging traditional curvilinear models.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of multiphasic profiles with straight-line segments and discontinuities as a superior model for various biological and physical phenomena.

Findings

Multiphasic profiles are common in biological data.

Discontinuous jumps often separate linear segments.

Traditional curvilinear models may be inadequate.

Abstract

A wide variety of biological as well as non-biological processes and phenomena involving ion channels, binding, pH, folding/unfolding and effects of chain length are well represented by multiphasic profiles, a series of straight lines separated by discontinuous transitions, often in the form of noncontiguities (jumps). The lines appear to be perfectly straight, with no indication of any curvilinearity. Adjacent lines are quite often parallel or nearly so and are then necessarily separated by jumps. If the data are sufficiently detailed and precise, the conventional curvilinear profiles must be rejected for a variety of reasons, whereas sudden changes of state occur in many physical systems (see Conclusions).