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Published on: January 16, 2016
Internal friction in enzyme reactions
Anna Rauscher1, Imre Derényi, László Gráf
1Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary.
IUBMB Life
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Internal friction, a concept from 20 years ago, is explored through experimental and theoretical studies. This review details its nature, measurement challenges, and relationship with enzyme reaction viscosity and energy landscapes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The concept of internal friction in biological systems was introduced two decades ago.
- Understanding internal friction is crucial for interpreting enzyme kinetics and molecular dynamics.
- Previous research has highlighted the viscosity dependence of enzyme reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental and theoretical studies on the nature of internal friction.
- To discuss the challenges in measuring and interpreting internal friction.
- To explore the structural basis and energy landscape relationship of internal friction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and theoretical studies.
- Analysis of viscosity dependence in enzyme reactions.
- Discussion of models relating energy landscapes to internal friction.
Main Results:
- Internal friction's nature is explored through experimental and theoretical findings.
- Significant challenges exist in measuring and interpreting internal friction.
- The viscosity dependence of enzyme reactions is linked to structural factors and energy landscapes.
Conclusions:
- Internal friction plays a key role in enzyme reaction dynamics.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the structural underpinnings of internal friction.
- Alternative models for enzyme viscosity dependence warrant consideration.
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