Molecular recognition hydrophobic

Proteins derive their powerful and diverse capacity for molecular recognition and catalysis from their ability to fold into defined secondary and tertiary structures and display specific functional groups at precise locations in space. Functional protein domains are typically 50-200 residues in length and utilize a specific sequence of side chains to encode folded structures that have a compact hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic surface. Mimicry of protein structure and function by non-natural ohgomers such as peptoids wiU not only require the synthesis of >50mers with a variety of side chains, but wiU also require these non-natural sequences to adopt, in water, tertiary structures that are rich in secondary structure. 

Murakami, Y., Kikuchi, J., Hayashida, O. Molecular Recognition by Large Hydrophobic Cavities Embedded in Synthetic Bilayer Membranes. 175, 133-156 (1995). 

Supramolecular chemistry takes into consideration the weak and reversible non-covalent interactions between molecules, which include H-bond-ing, metal coordination, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, n—n interactions, and covers different research fields, for example, molecular recognition, host-guest chemistry, mechanically interlocked and nanochemistry. 

There are several cases that have addressed molecular recognition of chiral drugs by modified CDs127 as well as inclusion complexes of cationic, anionic and neutral organic compounds128 in order to understand the role of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the functional groups on host and guest. 

A by-product of the solvophobic collapse of the mPE backbone is the formation of a hydrophobic cavity. Similar cavities have been explored for use as hosts in molecular recognition however, these cavities are typically quite rigid and synthetically difficult to access [4, 6]. The formation of a hydrophobic cavity through supramolecular folding of the mPE backbone offers a modular platform for the study of small molecule binding with supramolecular hosts. 

In excerpt I5D, Walker begins with a statement of the topic (solvation at hydrophobic and hydrophilic solid-liquid interfaces) and then moves directly to the signihcance of the work. He emphasizes the need for information on interfacial phenomena and points out possible applications of his work for other areas of science (molecular recognitions, electron transfer, and macromolecular self-assembly). He goes on to describe his experimental methods, focusing on three aspects of his approach (in order of difficulty) equilibrium measurements, time-resolved studies, and distance-dependent measurements of solvation strength. 

Nucleic acids, proteins, some carbohydrates, and hormones are informational molecules. They carry directions for the control of biological processes. With the exception of hormones, these are macromolecules. In all these interactions, secondary forces such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic or hydrophilic characteristics play critical roles. Molecular recognition is the term used to describe the ability of molecules to recognize and interact bond—specifically with other molecules. This molecular recognition is based on a combination of the interactions just cited and on structure. 

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