Macromolecular crowding: qualitative and semiquantitative successes, quantitative challenges.
The concept of excluded volume and the theory of effects of excluded volume on the equilibria and rates of macromolecular reactions in fluid media containing high total concentrations of macromolecules ('crowded' media) are summarized. Reports of experimental studies of crowding effects published during the last year are tabulated. Limitations of current excluded volume theory are discussed, and a determination is made of conditions under which this theory may and may not be validly applied. Recently suggested novel approaches to quantitative analysis of crowding phenomena, which may help to overcome some of the limitations of current theory, are summarized.
Hall
Damien
D
Section on Physical Biochemistry, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892-0830, USA.
Minton
Allen P
AP
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D010316:Particle Size; D017510:Protein Folding; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013816:Thermodynamics
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012996:Solutions; D004247:DNA