A cartoon depiction of the new theory on the mechanism underlying protein folding (IMAGE)

Okayama University

A cartoon depiction of the new theory on the mechanism underlying protein folding

Caption

New theoretical calculations reveal that it isn’t the repulsion force between the hydrophobic part of proteins and water that drives the protein into forming a folded structure. Rather, the special attraction between the hydrophobic molecules, called van der Waals force, is what causes the folding.

Credit

Dr. Tomonari Sumi (Okayama University) and Dr. Hiroshi Imamura (Ritsumeikan University)

Usage Restrictions

Nothing

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.