The long term objective is to advance the fundamental and quantitative understanding of biologically significant macromolecules. Areas of study include equilibrium conformational statistics, the dynamical mechanisms through which biopolymers change configuration, and the interactions of biopolymers with each other and with small molecules and ions. Our goals for the immediate future are: 1. Calculate the counterion distribution surrounding DNA by means of modified applications of the Poisson-Boltzmann approach and thereby account for dielectric heterogeneity and charge density fluctuations. 2. Determine the change in conformation and stability of DNA induced by charged binding agents, and the dynamical processes that bring about these changes, through a combination of analytical calculations and simuations of Brownian dynamics. 3. Improve calculations of relaxation properties such as the stress relaxation modulus and birefringence relaxation times, of DNA and other stiff chain macromolecules, through the incorporation of advances in the dynamical theory of constrained polymers. 4. By Brownian dynamical simulations and modeling based on the generalized Langevin equation, determine the nature of conformational relaxation and diffusion in concentrated solutions of chain polymers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM027945-11
Application #
3275207
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section (BBCA)
Project Start
1979-07-01
Project End
1992-03-31
Budget Start
1990-04-01
Budget End
1991-03-31
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
112617480
City
Fort Collins
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80523
Wang-Clow, F; Lange, M; Laird, N M et al. (1995) A simulation study of estimators for rates of change in longitudinal studies with attrition. Stat Med 14:283-97
Fixman, M (1987) Brownian dynamics of chain polymers. Faraday Discuss Chem Soc :199-211