A statistical mechanical theory on the effects of the denaturant molecule on the protein helix–coil transition is developed. The unfolding agents are assumed to attach to the polypeptide backbones and disturb the formation of the hydrogen bond. The polypeptide becomes denaturated by the following reaction: h (helix) ⇌c (random coil) ⇌c* (random coil attached by denaturant). The results obtained from the theory are compared with the experimental result of short oligopeptides.
- Fumiaki Kanô
- Masaji Shinjo
- Hiroshi Kihara
