Characterization of the denatured state

In this chapter, the current state of knowledge of protein denatured states is reviewed. Flory's random coil model and recent theory and simulation approaches to protein denatured states are outlined. Nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence methods and the insights they have provided into residual secondary structure and transient tertiary interactions in the denatured state are discussed. Recent techniques that use experimental restraints to produce representative ensembles for the denatured state are presented. The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the denatured state and their implications for folding and stability are considered. Finally, the prospects for future studies on protein denatured states are briefly summarized.