Conformation and Solvation of Polypeptides

The biological function of biopolymers such as polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids etc. depends strongly on their ordered structure which is determined by the pattern of inter- and intramolecular interactions given by the primary structure. 

The factors accounting for the stabilization of protein conformation are shown in 

Furthermore it can be shown that besides the direct influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic hydration on the conformation, the interaction of charged groups with ions is also strongly influenced by the hydration of the groups involved. Such studies were made largely by using relatively simple poly-a-aminoacids with ionogenic side chains as model substances. 

Several years ago Makino et al. 86) studied the influence of anions on the conformation of poly-[L-methionine-S-methylsulfonium] salts in solution. They found that especially perchlorate will induce a-helix formation whereas Cl- and Br do not. Since then several authors 87 92) have found a similar a-helix inducing effect in the case of poly-L-lysine (Lys) and other BPAA at low pH-values where the polymer molecules usually attain an extended conformation due to the electrostatic repulsion of the ammonium groups. Therefore, the a-helix inducing effect is obviously an 

Paudjojo was able to show by ultracentrifuge measurements that there is a strong specific interaction between (Lys) and CIO4, however no measurable one between (Lys)n and SO According to her results, the sedimentation coefficient 

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