Linear Aggregation Theory in Cell Biology - Terrell L. Hill

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Résumé :
During the past few decades we have witnessed an era of remarkable growth in the field of molecular biology. In 1950 very little was known ofthe chemical constitution of biological systems, the manner in which information was transmitted from one organism to another, or the extent to which the chemical basis oflife is unified. The picture today is dramatically different. We have an almost bewildering variety of information detailing many different aspects of life at the molecular level. These great advances have brought with them some breathtaking insights into the molecular mechanisms used by nature for replicating, distributing, and modifying biological information. We have learned a great deal about the chemical and physical nature of the macromo? lecular nucleic acids and proteins, and the manner in which carbohydrates, lipids, and smaller molecules work together to provide the molecular setting ofliving systems. It might be said that these few decades have replaced a near vacuum of information with a very large surplus. It is in the context ofthis flood of information that this series of monographs on molecular biology has been organized. The idea is to bring together in one place, between the covers of one book, a concise assessment of the state of the subject in a well-defined field. This will enable the reader to get a sense of historical perspective-what is known about the field today-and a descrip? tion of the frontiers of research where our knowledge is increasing steadily.

Sommaire:
I. Linear Equilibrium Aggregates.- 1. Statistical Thermodynamic Background.- 1. Canonical and Grand Partition Functions.- 2. Aggregation and Osmotic Pressure Virial Coefficients.- 3. Partition Function for an Open, Independent Aggregate.- 4. The Macroscopic Aggregate as a Limiting Case.- 2. Attached Single-Stranded Polymer.- 5. Attached Polymer at Equilibrium or Steady State.- 6. Attached Polymer in Transients.- 7. Attached Polymer under a Force.- 3. Free Single-Stranded Polymer.- 8. Free Polymer at Equilibrium.- 9. Kinetic Aspects for a Free Polymer.- 4. Single-Stranded Polymer Modified by a Second Component, a Bound Ligand, or a Cap.- 10. Two-Component Single-Stranded Polymer.- 11. Single-Stranded Polymer with Bound Ligand or Cap.- 5. Surface Properties of Some Long Multi-Stranded Polymers.- 12. General Discussion of the Models.- 13. Equilibrium and Steady-State Properties of Aligned Models.- 14. Equilibrium and Steady-State Properties of Staggered Models.- 15. Models with Dimers as Subunits.- 6. Some Attached Multi-Stranded Polymers at Equilibrium and in Transients.- 16. Simple Dual Aggregation and the Vernier Effect.- 17. Dual Aggregation with Vernier Enhancement.- 18. A Further Example of Dual Aggregation.- 19. Aligned Tubular Models at Equilibrium.- II. Linear Steady-State Aggregates.- 7. Enzymatic Activity at Polymer Tips Only.- 20. Enzymatic Activity along the Polymer Length.- 21. Enzymatic Activity at Polymer Tips Only: Bioenergetics and Fluxes.- 22. Enzymatic Activity at Polymer Tips Only: Length Distributions and Transients.- 23. Fluctuations in the Polymer Length Distribution.- 8. NTP Caps and Possible Phase Changes at Polymer Ends.- 24. Illustrative Biochemical Models that Generate Phase Changes.- 25. Attached Polymer with Phase Changes at the Free End.- 26. Free Polymer with Phase Changes at the Ends.- 27. Simulation of Two Phases by Aggregation of One Component on Another.