Cell model and Poisson-Boltzmann theory: A brief introduction

Physics – Condensed Matter – Soft Condensed Matter

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

24 pages, 4 Postscript figures, uses crckapb.sty (included)

Scientific paper

The cell-model and its treatment on the Poisson-Boltzmann level are two important concepts in the theoretical description of charged macromolecules. In this brief contribution to the Proceedings of the NATO-ASI on ``Electrostatic Effects in Soft Matter and Biophysics'', which took place in Les Houches from Oct. 1-13, 2000, we provide an introduction to both ideas and summarize a few important results which can be obtained from them. We outline the sequence of approximations which ultimately lead to the cell-model. Then we present two exact results, namely, an expression for the osmotic pressure and a formula for the ion density at the surface of the macromolecule, known as the contact value theorem. The next section provides a derivation of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation from a variational principle and the assumption of a product state. Afterwards we apply Poisson-Boltzmann theory to the cell-model of linear polyelectrolytes. In particular, the behavior of the exact solution in the limit of zero density is compared to the concept of Manning condensation. Finally, we demonstrate how a system described by a cell model can be coupled to a salt reservoir, i.e., how the so-called Donnan equilibrium is established.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Cell model and Poisson-Boltzmann theory: A brief introduction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Cell model and Poisson-Boltzmann theory: A brief introduction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cell model and Poisson-Boltzmann theory: A brief introduction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-372100

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.