How Do Configurational and Conformational Entropy Differ in Protein Folding?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the distinction between configurational and conformational entropy in the context of protein folding. Configurational entropy is defined as a combination of conformational and vibrational entropy, as noted by Doig & Sternberg (1995). The participant seeks clarification on whether this conceptualization remains valid or if the terms can be used interchangeably. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion in the literature regarding these terms, suggesting that the distinctions may not be critical in practical applications. The conversation highlights the relevance of these entropy types in understanding protein thermodynamics, while also recognizing the evolving nature of statistical mechanics in this field.
EFech
Messages
2
Reaction score
2
TL;DR Summary
What is the difference between CONFIGURATION and CONFORMATIONAL entropy in protein folding?
I have been reading about protein thermodynamics and found different types and models for entropy calculation before and after protein folding. I understand Vibrational, conformational, configurational entropy are some of the most studied "types" of protein folding entropy.

My questions is, What is the difference between Configurational and Conformational entropy in protein folding?

According to Doig & Sternberg (1995) Configurational entropy is defined as:
ΔSconfig=ΔSconf+ΔSvib
Although it is most certainly not a linear sum, I understand from this formulation the configurational entropy as a parameter determined by conformational and vibrational entropy in some way.
Is this conceptualization of configurational entropy still valid, or is it incorrect?

I am grateful for your guidance and knowledge, as I keep getting confused by the use of both terms in the literature.
 
Last edited:
Chemistry news on Phys.org
This appears to me to be a matter of "splitting hairs on cue balls;" statistical mechanics may have evolved sufficiently since I was in grad school to make such distinctions, but...
 
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara
So I understand there is no real need for distinguishing between both?. If so, we can just talk about a configurational or conformational as synonyms?. I understand it study is still relevant for the thermodynamics of protein, in addition to the kinematic study.
 
It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
Back
Top