Diffusion‐collision model for the folding kinetics of myoglobin

Abstract

The diffusion-collision model has been used to analyze the folding kinetics of myoglobins. The microdomains, which are the basic units that coalesce during the folding, are identified with the helices and the stabilizing contacts between helices are determined form the native structure. Both association and disassociation reactions are included and a range of stabilization parameters is investigated to determine the variations in overall rate and the relative contributions made by the different intermediates during the folding process. In a comparison of folding to the native state and to the midpoint of the folding transitions. (i.e., 50% native protein at the completion of the reaction) significant differences in the contributing intermediates are found.