Theory of crystallization of a closed macromolecule.
In this paper we propose a theory, which considers the behavior of a circular macromolecule nearing its transition phase to a condensed state. In particular, the explicit dependence of the phase transition characteristics on the macromolecule's topology is discussed. An important example of a circular macromolecule is bacterial DNA, and although the crystalline state appears incompatible with life, simple organisms use crystallization of DNA for protection against varied environmental assaults. It is shown that the cellular conditions that determine super-helical properties regulate the packaging of DNA as well and, therefore, regulate bacterial endurance and virulence.
Sandler
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Computational Chemistry Department, Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem 91160, Israel. sandler@jct.ac.il
D003460:Crystallization; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D044367:Phase Transition
D046911:Macromolecular Substances