Polynucleic acid molecules

For the purposes of the following discussion small molecules are considered to have fewer than 200 nonhydrogen atoms. Macromolecules, primarily proteins, polynucleic acids, and vimses, can have many thousands of atoms. 

The procedures for solving and refining macromolecular stmctures are similar to those for smaH molecules. The class of macromolecular stmctures solved consists mostly of proteins, some polynucleic acids, and some viral stmctures. These stmctures usuaHy contain thousands of atoms. 

It has been proposed that these nanometer- and micrometer-sized particles may have applications in biology in sensing and imaging applications or as delivery vehicles (De et al, 2008). The unique properties of nanoparticles such as their similar size to biomolecules such as proteins and polynucleic acids, as well as their ability to be tuned to contain a range of functional materials such as metal centers, dye molecules, etc. make them attractive candidates for biological and materials applications. The applicable of these nanoparticle platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic activities relies on the functionalization and also encapsulation potential of these materials. 

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