TABLE 3.
Overall shapes estimated for representative conformations of protein G
| Conformation | l1/l3 | l1/l2 |
|---|---|---|
| Native | 1.40 | 1.32 |
| Unfolded | 2.04 | 1.85 |
| Structure 1 | 1.25 | 1.05 |
| Structure 2 | 1.27 | 1.15 |
| Structure 3 | 1.19 | 1.08 |
The overall shape of a protein molecule can be characterized by the three principal moments of inertia, λ1, λ2, and λ3. These moments are given as the eigenvalues of the matrix of radii of gyration (15). The asphericity can be measured by monitoring the parameters, l1/l2 and l1/l3 (l1 ≥ l2 ≥ l3), where li is defined as 
(i = 1, 2, 3). For a complete sphere, l1/l3 = 1 and l1/l2 = 1. For a cylinder with length greater than diameter and for a prolate, l1/l3 > 1 and l1/l2 > 1. For a disk with length smaller than diameter and for an oblate, l1/l3 > 1 and l1/l2 = 1.