title: A 50th order reaction predicted and observed for sickle hemoglobin nucleation.
abstract: Sickle hemoglobin polymerization exhibits a striking sensitivity to initial concentration, with characteristic reaction times that exhibit 30th power dependence on concentration. This extraordinary reaction order is encompassed by a novel double nucleation mechanism that predicts 50th power dependence of the homogeneous nucleation rate. Using a technique that allows individual homogeneous nucleation events to be monitored, we have measured a concentration dependence of 47+/-, in excellent agreement with the predictions of the model. Absolute nucleation rates agree with predictions as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia PA 19194, USA.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Ferrone
mesh_terms: D001704:Biopolymers; D006451:Hemoglobin, Sickle / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D006451:Hemoglobin, Sickle