PATHWAYS FOR PROTEIN-FOLDING - IS A NEW VIEW NEEDED

Theoretical studies using simplified models of proteins have shed ligh t on the general heteropolymeric aspects of the folding problem. Recen t work has emphasized the statistical aspects of folding pathways. In particular, progress has been made in characterizing the ensemble of t ransition state conformations and elucidating the role of intermediate s. These advances suggest a reconciliation between the new ensemble ap proaches and the classical view of a folding pathway.