Hermans J., Lentz B. Equilibria and Kinetics of Biological Macromolecules

Wiley, 2014. — 527 p. - Based on each of the authors' roughly forty years of biophysics research and teaching experience, this text instills readers with a deep understanding of the biophysics of macromolecules. It sets a solid foundation in the basics by beginning with core physical concepts such as thermodynamics, quantum chemical models, molecular structure and interactions, and water and the hydrophobic effect. Next, the book examines statistical mechanics, protein-ligand binding, and conformational stability. Finally, the authors address kinetics and equilibria, exploring underlying theory, protein folding, and stochastic models.
With its strong emphasis on molecular interactions, Equilibria and Kinetics of Biological Macromolecules offers new insights and perspectives on proteins and other macromolecules. The text features coverage of:
- Basic theory, applications, and new research findings
- Related topics in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and molecular simulations
- Principles and applications of molecular simulations in a dedicated chapter and interspersed throughout the text
- Macromolecular binding equilibria from the perspective of statistical mechanics
- Stochastic processes related to macromoleculesSuggested readings at the end of each chapter include original research papers, reviews and monographs, enabling readers to explore individual topics in greater depth. At the end of the text, ten appendices offer refreshers on mathematical treatments, including probability, computational methods, Poisson equations, and defining molecular boundaries.
With its classroom-tested pedagogical approach, Equilibria and Kinetics of Biological Macromolecules is recommended as a graduate-level textbook for biophysics courses and as a reference for researchers who want to strengthen their understanding of macromolecular behavior.Contents
Basic principles
Thermodynamics
Four basic quantum mechanical models of nuclear & electronic motion: a synopsis.
Molecular structure and interactions
Water and the hydrophobic effect
Statistical mechanics: The molecular basis of thermodynamics
The molecular partition function
System ensembles and partition functions
Sampling molecular systems with simulations
Binding to macromolecules
Binding equilibria
Thermodynamics of molecular interactions
Elements of statistical mechanics of liquids and solutions
Analysis of binding equilibria in terms of partition functions
Coupled equilibria
Allosteric function
Charged groups: Binding of hydrogen ions, solvation and charge-charge interactions
Conformational stability and conformation change
Some elements of polymer physics
Helix-coil equilibria
Protein unfolding equilibria
Elasticity of biological materials
Kinetics and irreversible processes
Kinetics
Kinetics of protein folding
Irreversible and stochastic processes