Single macromolecules: hierarchic thermodynamics, irreversibility and biological function.
Single homo-polymers show two different paths in the folding transition; a liquid-like spherical globule is generated for flexible polymers, whereas a rich variety of ordered structures are formed for semi-flexible polymers. This unique characteristic is discussed in relation to its biological significance.
Department of Physics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8503 Japan.
Kenichi
K
Yoshikawa
DNA condensation; coil-globule transition; genetic regulation; genetic switching; giant DNA