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Thermodynamic aspects on accuracy in the synthesis of biomolecules
Author(s) -
Blomberg Clas
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
international journal of quantum chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-461X
pISSN - 0020-7608
DOI - 10.1002/qua.560230238
Subject(s) - biomolecule , formalism (music) , computer science , statistical physics , molecule , biochemical engineering , chemistry , biological system , computational chemistry , nanotechnology , physics , materials science , engineering , art , musical , organic chemistry , visual arts , biology
In the synthesis of, e.g., a protein in a living cell, specific monomers are to be selected for each unit of the macromolecule in competition with similar molecules. The selection is performed at an enzyme complex, where correct molecules are bound tighter and, therefore, have a greater probability for being incorporated into the product. For similar molecules, there is a strong limitation on the possibility of selection in simple steps, and the accuracy is enhanced by a so‐called proofreading mechanism. For the selection to work, it is necessary to drive it out from equilibrium by a free‐energy decrease. The main purpose of the paper is to describe the free‐energy loss needed for a certain accuracy level. The underlying process is assumed to be optimized to make best use of available free energy. A formalism for this is developed, and will be discussed together with results. Many points of the internal structure of such a process are still unclear, and an aim of the formalism has been to remain open for various possibilities. It is also described how the individual accuracy levels can be determined by a requirement that the free‐energy cost per error free or functionable product is minimized.