SASA

The SASA analysis tracks the solvent-accessible surface area of a selected group along a path or trajectory. It is useful for following exposure, compaction, interface burial, or ligand-induced opening and closing.

Adding the plot

1. Open Path Analyzer.
2. Choose SASA in Observable.
3. Choose a Path.
4. Define the Group to analyze.
5. Click Add Time Series or Add Histogram.

Inputs

• One atom-containing selection is required.
• The result is reported in square angstroms (A^2).

Views

• Time series: follow exposure changes along the path.
• Histogram: inspect the distribution of sampled SASA values.

Tip

• Use SASA for binding pockets, loops, ligands, or interfacial regions.
• Large SASA drops often indicate burial or compaction.
• Combine SASA with Radius of gyration when you want both surface and compactness information.