Monte Carlo procedure for protein folding in lattice model. Conformational rigidity

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A rigourous Monte Carlo method for protein folding simulation on lattice model is introduced. We show that a parameter which can be seen as the rigidity of the conformations has to be introduced in order to satisfy the detailed balance condition. Its properties are discussed and its role during the folding process is elucidated. This method is applied on small chains on two-dimensional lattice. A Bortz-Kalos-Lebowitz type algorithm which allows to study the kinetic of the chains at very low temperature is implemented in the presented method. We show that the coefficients of the Arrhenius law are in good agreement with the value of the main potential barrier of the system.