The conformational entropy of RNA and proteins can be estimated; for example, empirical methods to estimate the loss of conformational entropy in a particular side chain on incorporation into a folded protein can roughly predict the effects of particular point mutations in a protein. Side-chain conformational entropies can be defined as Boltzmann sampling over all possible rotameric states:
The conformational entropy of RNA and proteins can be estimated, for example, using empirical methods to determine the loss of conformational entropy when a specific side chain is incorporated into a folded protein. This allows for predictions about the effects of point mutations in proteins. Side-chain conformational entropies are defined as Boltzmann sampling over all possible rotameric states.