Journal
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Volume 107, Issue 31, Pages 13597-13602Publisher
NATL ACAD SCIENCES
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1003293107
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Funding
- National Science Foundation [CHE-0404699, CHE-0908265]
- Department of Energy [DE-SC-0002128]
- Princeton Center for Complex Materials (Materials Research Science and Engineering Center) [DMR-0819860]
- US Department of Energy [DE-PS02-08ER08-13]
- Direct For Mathematical & Physical Scien
- Division Of Materials Research [819860] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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We employ the diffusion map approach as a nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique to extract a dynamically relevant, low-dimensional description of n-alkane chains in the ideal-gas phase and in aqueous solution. In the case of C-8 we find the dynamics to be governed by torsional motions. For C-16 and C-24 we extract three global order parameters with which we characterize the fundamental dynamics, and determine that the low free-energy pathway of globular collapse proceeds by a kink and slide mechanism, whereby a bend near the end of the linear chain migrates toward the middle to form a hairpin and, ultimately, a coiled helix. The low-dimensional representation is subtly perturbed in the solvated phase relative to the ideal gas, and its geometric structure is conserved between C-16 and C-24. The methodology is directly extensible to biomolecular self-assembly processes, such as protein folding.
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