Statistical Physics of Viral Capsids with Broken Symmetry.
Phys Rev Lett
; 115(5): 058101, 2015 Jul 31.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26274443
ABSTRACT
We present a model to understand quantitatively the role of symmetry breaking in assembly of macromolecular aggregates in general, and the protein shells of viruses in particular. A simple dodecahedral lattice model with a quadrupolar order parameter allows us to demonstrate how symmetry breaking may reduce the probability of assembly errors and, consequently, enhance assembly efficiency. We show that the ground state is characterized by large-scale cooperative zero-energy modes. In analogy with other models, this suggests a general physical principle the tendency of biological molecules to generate symmetric structures competes with the tendency to break symmetry in order to achieve specific functional goals.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas do Capsídeo
/
Modelos Biológicos
/
Modelos Químicos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Phys Rev Lett
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos