Search results for "Biophysics"

Cationic Au Nanoparticle Binding with Plasma Membrane-like Lipid Bilayers: Potential Mechanism for Spontaneous Permeation to Cells Revealed by Atomis…

2014

Despite being chemically inert as a bulk material, nanoscale gold can pose harmful side effects to living organisms. In particular, cationic Au nanoparticles (AuNP+) of 2 nm diameter or less permeate readily through plasma membranes and induce cell death. We report atomistic simulations of cationic Au nanoparticles interacting with realistic membranes and explicit solvent using a model system that comprises two cellular compartments, extracellular and cytosolic, divided by two asymmetric lipid bilayers. The membrane-AuNP+ binding and membrane reorganization processes are discovered to be governed by cooperative effects where AuNP+, counterions, water, and the two membrane leaflets all contr…

Light Regulation of the Thylakoid LHCII Protein Phosphorylation at the Substrate Level

1998

The distribution of light energy between the two photosystems as well as the light-induced turnover of PSII proteins are regulated by the reversible phosphorylation of LHCII and the PSII-core proteins. The thylakoid protein kinase(s) is activated by a signal transduction system involving the interaction of reduced plastoquinone with the quinol oxidation site of the cytochrome bf complex [1]. Phosphorylation of the mobile pool of LHCII induces dissociation of this antenna from PSII and allows its interaction with the PSI in the stroma exposed membranes (state transition)[21. Dephosphorylation of LHCII by a membrane -bound phosphatase appears to be regulated by a cyclophilinlike protein locat…

Micro-determination of DNA in biological materials by gas-chromatographic and isotope dilution analysis of thymine content

1970

A Headful of T4 Coliphage DNA Packaged to Fasces-Like Globules in Fractal Models

1998

We present a new model for T4 DNA packaging based on fractal considerations. The proposed model is based on electron microscopic observations of spread and packaged DNA. The model takes into account enzymatically and unidirectionally driven packaging, and quick release of the DNA during infection. We also consider the different biochemical reactions of the packaging process.

Correlative Analysis of the Photosynthetic Capacity and Different Components of the Photosynthetic Apparatus

1984

The majority of higher plants is able to adapt to the ecological factor light in a wide range. Depending on the light intensity and the light quality during growth, plant with an equal genotype develop into so-called low light and high light forms. The photosynthetic adaptation to different light conditions involves complex, balanced changes of many leaf features. The changes of physiological factors of photosynthesis includes differences in the CO2 conductance, in the Calvin cycle enzymes, the capacity of electron transport, the photophosphorylation and the pigments (Boardman, 1977; Wild, 1979; Bjorkman, 1981; Lichtenthaler et al., 1981). The adaptation of individual plants or leaves to lo…

Role of P‐glycoprotein‐mediated secretion in absorptive drug permeabiity: An approach using passive membrane permeability and affinity to P‐glycoprot…

1999

Abstract It has been shown in vivo and in vitro that P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) may be able to influence the permeability of its substrates across biological membranes. However, the quantitative contribution of the secretion process mediated by P‐gp on the overall permeability of membranes has not been determined yet. In particular, observations need to be clarified in which substrates showing high affinity to P‐glycoprotein, e.g., verapamil, apparently do not seem to be greatly influenced by P‐gp in their permeability and consequently also with respect to their extent of GI‐absorption after oral administration, whereas weaker substrates of P‐gp, e.g., talinolol, have clearly shown P‐gp‐related …

Atomic Force Microscopy: Interaction Forces Measured in Phospholipid Monolayers, Bilayers, and Cell Membranes

2009

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique which is commonly used to image surfaces at the nanoscale and single-molecule level, as well as to investigate physical properties of the sample surface using a technique known as force spectroscopy. In this chapter, we review our recent research where we used AFM to investigate physical properties of phospholipid monolayers, bilayers, and cell membranes. We describe the experimental procedures for AFM imaging, force measurements, and theoretical models to analyze force spectroscopy data. The data obtained allowed correlations between AFM topography and local adhesion and mechanoelastic properties of supported lipid bilayers in water, su…

Is “I-DNA” derived from Nuclear DNA ?

1970

On the basis of double radioactive labelling and buoyant density studies, it is concluded that “I-DNA” is not a separate entity from nuclear DNA but may be an artefact derived from it.

Study of the pentalene and heptalene molecules according to the SCF theory (Roothaan method)

1965

Transient Hydrogels Mediated by Redox-Switchable Supramolecular Polymerization

2017

Spatial and temporal control in multi-stimuli-responsive materials are critical properties to advance and optimize functional soft matter in order to mimic key features of living systems. In this contribution, I will discuss our methodology in developing non-equilibrium states in supramolecular materials. We have expanded our concept of charge regulated s–sheet self-assembly of alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids in order to introduce redox-switchable properties. An interplay of pH- and oxidation-stimuli, promoted by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thus leads to transient supramolecular polymerizations of methionine containing amphiphiles, with tuneable lifet…