Protein Folding Funnel

Energy landscape — Langevin dynamics on a rugged funnel

The energy landscape funnel model: a globally funneled landscape with local roughness traps. The protein (particle) undergoes Langevin dynamics: dQ/dt = −∂U/∂Q + η(t), where η is thermal noise. The funnel drives toward the native state; roughness creates kinetic traps (misfolded intermediates). Lower temperature → less noise, more trapping.