Pondering Polyhelical Proteins: Mathematically Modeling Helical Repeat Proteins by Lincoln Wurtz
Dublin Core
Title
Pondering Polyhelical Proteins: Mathematically Modeling Helical Repeat Proteins by Lincoln Wurtz
Subject
Mathematics
Description
Proteins are the most abundant biological macromolecules and, based on their
three-dimensional shape, perform life-sustaining functions. The process by which a
protein assumes its folded shape remains an open question and has intrigued biologist and chemists for decades. Mathematicians have joined forces with the natural scientists and brought with them the tools of differential geometry, which prove powerful for modeling proteins. We explore the method of [3] to model a small subset of proteins using polyhelical space curves. We successfully modeled three alpha-helical repeat proteins. The developed model has demonstrated possible uses in predicting theoretical tertiary structures of proteins given a set of secondary structures--a step in the right direction of solving the protein folding problem. Additionally, we provide insight into the relationship between clashes and the model's stability calculator, which may improve the viability of their model.
three-dimensional shape, perform life-sustaining functions. The process by which a
protein assumes its folded shape remains an open question and has intrigued biologist and chemists for decades. Mathematicians have joined forces with the natural scientists and brought with them the tools of differential geometry, which prove powerful for modeling proteins. We explore the method of [3] to model a small subset of proteins using polyhelical space curves. We successfully modeled three alpha-helical repeat proteins. The developed model has demonstrated possible uses in predicting theoretical tertiary structures of proteins given a set of secondary structures--a step in the right direction of solving the protein folding problem. Additionally, we provide insight into the relationship between clashes and the model's stability calculator, which may improve the viability of their model.
Creator
Lincoln Wurtz
Source
Senior Showcase Oral Presentation
Publisher
Ripon College
Date
April 18, 2017
Rights
The author reserves all rights.
Identifier
Majors: Mathematics and Chemistry-Biology
Files
Collection
Citation
Lincoln Wurtz, “Pondering Polyhelical Proteins: Mathematically Modeling Helical Repeat Proteins by Lincoln Wurtz,” Senior Showcase Digital Collection, accessed May 18, 2025, https://rcseniorshowcase.omeka.net/items/show/77.