Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules (ePub)

Examining the physical basis of the structure of
macromolecules--proteins, nucleic acids, and their
complexes--using calorimetric techniques

Many scientists working in biology are unfamiliar with the
basics of thermodynamics and its role in determining molecular
structures. Yet measuring the heat of structural change a molecule
undergoes under various conditions yields information on the
energies involved and, thus, on the physical bases of the
considered structures. Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules
offers protein scientists unique access to this important
information.

Divided into thirteen chapters, the book introduces readers to
the basics of thermodynamics as it applies to calorimetry, the
evolution of the calorimetric technique, as well as how
calorimetric techniques are used in the thermodynamic studies of
macromolecules, detailing instruments for measuring the heat
effects of various processes. Also provided is general information
on the structure of biological macromolecules, proteins, and
nucleic acids, focusing on the key thermodynamic problems relating
to their structure. The book covers:

* The use of supersensitive calorimetric instruments, including
micro and nano-calorimeters for measuring the heat of isothermal
reactions (Isothermal Titration Nano-Calorimeter), the heat
capacities over a broad temperature range (Scanning
Nano-Calorimeter), and pressure effects (Pressure Perturbation
Nano-Calorimeter)

* Two of the simplest but key structural elements: the alpha and
polyproline helices and their complexes, the alpha-helical
coiled-coil, and the pyroline coiled-coils

* Complicated macromolecular formations, including small globular
proteins, multidomain proteins and their complexes, and nucleic
acids

* Numerous examples of measuring the ground state of protein
energetics, as well as changes seen when proteins interact

The book also reveals how intertwined structure and
thermodynamics are in terms of a macromolecule's organization,
mechanism of formation, the stabilization of its three-dimensional
structure, and ultimately, its function. The first book to describe
microcalorimetric technique in detail, enough for graduate students
and research scientists to successfully plumb the structural
mysteries of proteins and the double helix, Microcalorimetry of
Macromolecules is an essential introduction to using a
microcalorimeter in biological studies.