Statistical mechanics of force-induced transitions of biopolymers

Abstract

Single molecule force spectroscopy constitutes a robust method for probing the unfolding of biomolecules. Knowledge gained from statistical mechanics is helping to build our understanding about more complex structure and function of biopolymers. Here, we have review some of the models and techniques that have been employed to study force-induced transitions in biopolymers. We briefly describe the merit and limitation of these models and techniques. In this context, we discuss statistical models of polymer along with numerical techniques, which may provide enhanced insight in understanding the unfolding of biomolecules.