Abstract
Poly-L-glutamic acid (PGA) is an ideal model system for investigating the transition between α-helical and random coil peptide conformations, since its secondary structure is highly sensitive not only to temperature, but also to pH. Laser pulse-induced temperature jumps were used to observe pH-dependent PGA helix–coil relaxation dynamics on the microsecond time scale. The relaxation was found to be non-exponential, particularly if only short helical segments are present before the temperature jump, indicating the multi-step nature of the process which involves helix nucleation and propagation. Helix–coil relaxation is slowest near the mid-point of the pH-induced helix–coil transition, in agreement with theoretical predictions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
