Protein Folding Problem: Scientific Basics

TL;DR

This paper reviews the fundamental properties of protein folding, discusses modeling approaches including wave motion and catastrophe theory, and emphasizes the importance of small-step folding mechanisms for future simulation efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a framework connecting classical mechanics, wave motion, and catastrophe theory to better understand protein folding processes.

Findings

Properties of folding support small-step mechanisms

Wave motion models relate to classical mechanics

Catastrophe theory aids in analyzing simulations

Abstract

The protein folding problem is stated and a list of properties that do not depend upon specific molecules is compiled and analyzed. The relationship of this analysis to future simulations is emphasized. The choice of power and time as variables as opposed to energy and time is discussed. A wave motion model is reviewed and related to the action in classical mechanics. It is argued that the properties of the action support the idea that folding takes place in small steps. It is explained how catastrophe theory has been employed in wave motion models and how it can be used in examination of successful simulations