1.2 Dynamic Flexibility

The dynamics of the transition from the t to g_- and g₊ states is determined by the activation barrier separating them, ΔE. In analogy to the structural or spatial counterpart, we may think in terms of a persistence time, τ_p

(2)

where τ₀ is an attempt frequency.

On timescales smaller than τ_p (at high frequencies, ω > 1∕τ_p), the chain looks inflexible - its conformation doesn’t change.

On longer timescales, or smaller frequencies, the chain appears flexible as it is able to sample many different conformational states during the time of observation.