Abstract
Structures and functions of various biological macromolecules at cellular levels are controlled by electrostatic, excluded-volume, macromolecular topological connectivity, and hydrodynamic forces. Some aspects of these challenging issues will be addressed. Specifically we will focus our discussions on (a) pattern recognition by macromolecules and complexation, (b) coupling between conformational transitions and phase transitions, (c) chromosomal condensation, (d) collective behavior of charged macromolecules in crowded environments, (e) coupled dynamics of macromolecular assemblies in charged solutions, and (f) polymer transport through pores. Even the simpler synthetic systems exhibit many puzzles which will be resolved using our theoretical formulation. In addition to exploring an understanding of biological processes, the context of fabrication of new synthetic materials will be remarked.
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Muthukumar, M. Structure and dynamics of charged macromolecules: Minimal representation of biological systems. Pramana - J Phys 53, 171–197 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-999-0148-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-999-0148-y