Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA

Details Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA

2012-01-04

arxiv.org/abs/1201.0795v1

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

3 pages, 1 figure, 1 Table

Scientific paper

We show that the folding rates (k_F) of RNA are determined by N, the number of nucleotides. By assuming that the distribution of free energy barriers separating the folded and the unfolded states is Gaussian, which follows from central limit theorem arguments and polymer physics concepts, we show that k_F ~ k_0 exp(-alpha N^0.5). Remarkably, the theory fits the experimental rates spanning over seven orders of magnitude with k_0 ~ 1.0 (microsec)^{-1}. An immediate consequence of our finding is that the speed limit of RNA folding is about one microsecond just as it is in the folding of globular proteins.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chain Length Determines the Folding Rates of RNA will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-156132