Fig. 7
From: Kinetic asymmetry allows macromolecular catalysts to drive an information ratchet
Typical description of dissipative self-assembly in which inactive precursors are activated to a configuration that spontaneously undergoes self-assembly. a Model showing the kinetic cycle by which assembly can be controlled. Especially if dissociation of inactive monomers (defects) from the assembled structure is slow, maintaining S and P out of equilibrium will result in assembly. b Energy landscape model illustrating the “just-so” story in which input energy is used to promote the inactive monomers to an active form that undergoes spontaneous (exergonic) transition to the deactivated form. In fact, when the energy is provided by catalysis of a chemical reaction the free-energy for assembly of the active monomers on the blue surface is absolutely irrelevant
