6533b854fe1ef96bd12adda6

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Coarse-grained models and collective phenomena in membranes: Computer simulation of membrane fusion

subject

description

We discuss the role coarse-grained models play in in- vestigating collective phenomena in bilayer membranes and place them in the context of alternative approaches. By reducing the de- grees of freedom and applying simple effective potentials, coarse- grained models can address the large time scales and length scales of collective phenomena in mem- branes. Although the mapping from a coarse-grained model onto chemi- cally realistic models is a challenge, such models provide a direct view on the phenomena that occur on the length scales of a few tens of nano- meters. Their relevance is exempli- ied by the study of fusion of model membranes. ' 2003 Wiley Periodicals,