Conformation-dependent sequence design

The approach formulated in 1998 is based on the assumption that a copolymer obtained under some preparation conditions is able to remember features of its original conformation from which it was built and to store the corresponding information in the resulting sequence. Therefore, this approach may be called conformation-dependent sequence design. 

Most of the contributions collected in volumes 195 and 196 are dedicated to the review of the results obtained recently in this direction, i.e., dealing with the conformation-dependent sequence design of copolymers and the study of... 

One of the promising synthetic strategies of conformation-dependent sequence design is based on direct copolymerization under unusual conditions. 

All of the selected contributions that are present in these special volumes are good representatives for manifesting the importance of the concepts based on conformation-dependent sequence design. It has been our intention to provide the scientific and industrial polymer community with a comprehensive view of the current state of knowledge on designed polymers. Both volumes attempt to review what is currently known about these polymers in terms of their synthesis, chemical and physical properties, and applications. We will feel the volumes have been successful if some of the chapters presented here stimulate readers to become interested in and solve specific problems in this rapidly developing field of research. 

The idea of conformation-dependent sequence design via polymer-analogous transformation can be generalized in many respects [23]. Indeed, a special chemical sequence can be obtained not only from a globular conformation any specific polymer chain conformation can play the role of parent. 

It is clear that information complexity cannot emerge just as a result of random mutations. Some coupling of mutations to other factors is necessary. It is most straightforward and natural to introduce the interrelation of mutations and conformations, i.e., to consider conformation-dependent sequence design in the context of evolution. 

---