Entropically Driven Helix Formation

Details Entropically Driven Helix Formation Entropically Driven Helix Formation

2005-02-22

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0502520v1

Science 307 (2005) 1067

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

5 pages, one included figure

Scientific paper

10.1126/science.1106243

The helix is a ubiquitous motif for biopolymers. We propose a heuristic, entropically based model that predicts helix formation in a system of hard spheres and semiflexible tubes. We find that the entropy of the spheres is maximized when short stretches of the tube form a helix with a geometry close to that found in natural helices. Our model could be directly tested with wormlike micelles as the tubes, and the effect could be used to self-assemble supramolecular helices.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Entropically Driven Helix Formation 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 Entropically Driven Helix Formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Entropically Driven Helix Formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-471406