Manipulating single enzymes by an external harmonic force

Phys Rev Lett. 2007 Apr 20;98(16):168302. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.168302. Epub 2007 Apr 19.

Abstract

We study a Michaelis-Menten reaction for a single two-state enzyme molecule, whose transition rates between the two conformations are modulated by an harmonically oscillating external force. In particular, we obtain a range of optimal driving frequencies for changing the conformation of the enzyme, thereby controlling the enzymatic activity (i.e., product formation). This analysis demonstrates that it is, in principle, possible to obtain information about particular rates within the kinetic scheme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Enzymes / chemistry*
  • Enzymes / ultrastructure*
  • Kinetics
  • Micromanipulation / methods*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Oscillometry / methods
  • Physical Stimulation / methods
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Enzymes