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. 1985 Jun;82(12):4028–4030. doi: 10.1073/pnas.82.12.4028

Is there a single pathway for the folding of a polypeptide chain?

S C Harrison, R Durbin
PMCID: PMC397927  PMID: 3858860

Abstract

We argue that folding of the compact domains of proteins can occur with adequate rapidity in the absence of a unique directed mechanism, provided that native-like local structure dominates the folding process. We further suggest that the evolution of amino acid sequences should favor multiple paths to the folded state. Existing physicochemical and mutational data are not inconsistent with a many-pathway model. The analogy of a jigsaw puzzle, with multiple routes to a unique solution, appears to be particularly apt.

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Selected References

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