Functionalization, single macromolecular assemblies

Hydrophobic associations in random copolymers of sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate and some methacrylamides and methacrylates substituted with bulky hydrophobes are described with a focus on preferential intrapolymer self-association which leads to the formation of single-macromolecular assemblies (i.e., unimolecular micelles). Structural parameters that critically determine the type of the macromolecular association (i.e., intra- vs. interpolymer associations) are discussed, which include the type of hydrophobes, their content in a polymer, sequence distribution of electrolyte and hydrophobic monomer units, and the type of spacer bonding. Functionalization of single-macromolecular assemblies with some photoactive chromophores is also presented. 

This chapter will discuss hydrophobic associations in random copolymers of AMPS and some hydrophobic methacrylamide and methacrylate comonomers with a focus on the intra- versus interpolymer self-association in connection witih the type of hydrophobes, their content in the polymers, and spacer bonding. A particular emphasis will be placed on intrapolymer association of hydrophobes which leads to single-molecular self-assemblies. Functionalization of the single-macromolecular assemblies with some photoactive chromophores will also be presented briefly. 

This impossibility of reducing a complex process to single macromolecules explains the co-existence of different levels of explanation in biologists molecular descriptions. This does not mean that the nature of the molecular components is of no importance, nor that the complex functions originate only from the rules of assembly of the different macromolecular components. The organization of living beings is based both on the precise nature of the molecular components and on the way that these molecular components are assembled. 

Consequently, replication of chromosomes combines synthesis of DNA molecules, the switching on of loci controlling synthesis of specific chromosomal proteins, the assembling of these proteins at the required places for linking together the DNA molecules into a single functional system, condensation (spiralization) of the chromatids, and their replication into two identical complete sets with subsequent divergence to different poles of the cell. This last process also requires a number of special syntheses, but I do not propose to discuss the analysis of the macromolecular events... 

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