Abstract
The methodological dependence of observed ion–peptide associations in molecular dynamics simulations is investigated. We compare the results from several simulations of a pentapeptide in explicit solvent and salt ions which differ in the their treatment of the long ranged electrostatic interactions. Results for both the Ewald and switching function techniques are presented. It was found that there were important differences between the two methods for the water dipole–dipole temporal and spatial correlations, total dipole moment fluctuations, and self-diffusion constants. Electrostatic potentials calculated in the region of the peptide are also used to illustrate the large differences that can arise from different treatments of the electrostatic interactions. It appears that the switching function distorts the molecular electrostatic potential experienced by the salt ions to such a degree that their behaviour becomes highly dependent on the initial conditions. In summary, the use of a switching function is not recommended for the simulation of ions and their interactions with biomolecules.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.