Abstract

We explore the consequences of interactions between the pore and the translocating particles within the framework of a continuum diffusion model for the particle dynamics in the channel. Several of our findings are quite counter-intuitive (Biophys. J., 2005, 88:L17-L19; Phys. Rev. Lett., 2006, 97:020601; Phys. Rev. E, 2009, 80:020904®). Three of the examples to be discussed in the talk are: (i) “Sticking” to the channel slows down translocation (a particle spends more time in the channel) but increases the flux; (ii) “Uphill” and “downhill” particle translocation times (and their distributions) are identical; (iii) An optimal channel should exhibit the most pronounced binding on the side that is opposite to the side of the oncoming particles.