Natural polymers nucleic acids

In our first report of advances in nucleic acids, we noted that over 12 000 papers had been published on the subject during 1977—78. Activity in this field has been maintained, so that we again attempt a summary in broad outline of those areas that we consider to be significant and of widest general interest, 

Advances in several of the topics mentioned in the last report are covered. In addition, a limited number of areas omitted from the previous report, because of space constraints, are included for the first time. Whenever possible, recent short reviews of specific topics are cited and these are supplemented by a limited number of references to the most relevant recent papers. 

During 1977 and 1978 over 12 000 papers, articles, and reviews pertaining to nucleic acids were published. Consequently this report does not attempt to be comprehensive but summarizes a broad area in which many of the most significant advances have been made. 

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This collection of papers was part of a unique symposium held during the 178th Meeting of the American Chemical Society. The symposium, Diffraction Methods for Structural Determination of Fibrous Polymers, had a pronounced international character, with scientists from 12 different countries. The speakers represented both the synthetic polymer and biopolymer fields, with contributions in each of the three classes of natural polymers nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. Most important, the symposium centered on methods and techniques for studying fibrous polymers, methods that are usually taken for granted despite their inadequacies. 

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