Book description
Examining the physical basis of the structure of
macromolecules-proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes-using
calorimetric techniques
Many scientists working in biology are unfamiliar with the basics of
thermodynamics and its role in determining molecular structures. Yet
measuring the heat of structural change a molecule undergoes under
various conditions yields information on the energies involved and,
thus, on the physical bases of the considered structures.
Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules offers protein scientists
unique access to this important information.
Divided into thirteen chapters, the book introduces readers to the
basics of thermodynamics as it applies to calorimetry, the evolution
of the calorimetric technique, as well as how calorimetric techniques
are used in the thermodynamic studies of macromolecules, detailing
instruments for measuring the heat effects of various processes. Also
provided is general information on the structure of biological
macromolecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, focusing on the key
thermodynamic problems relating to their structure. The book covers:
- The use of supersensitive calorimetric instruments, including
micro and nano-calorimeters for measuring the heat of isothermal
reactions (Isothermal Titration Nano-Calorimeter), the heat
capacities over a broad temperature range (Scanning
Nano-Calorimeter), and pressure effects (Pressure Perturbation Nano-Calorimeter)
- Two of the simplest but key structural elements: the α and
polyproline helices and their complexes, the α-helical coiled-coil,
and the pyroline coiled-coils
- Complicated macromolecular formations, including small globular
proteins, multidomain proteins and their complexes, and nucleic acids
- Numerous examples of measuring the ground state of protein
energetics, as well as changes seen when proteins interact
The book also reveals how intertwined structure and thermodynamics
are in terms of a macromolecule's organization, mechanism of
formation, the stabilization of its three-dimensional structure, and
ultimately, its function. The first book to describe microcalorimetric
technique in detail, enough for graduate students and research
scientists to successfully plumb the structural mysteries of proteins
and the double helix, Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules is an
essential introduction to using a microcalorimeter in biological studies.
PETER L. PRIVALOV is a Professor of Biology and Biophysics at
the Johns Hopkins University since 1991. He received his PhD in
physics from the University of Georgia, Tbilisi (former USSR), and his
DrSc in biophysics from the Institute of Biophysics, Russian Academy
of Sciences, Moscow. For many years, he headed the Laboratory of
Thermodynamics at the Protein Research Institute of the Russian
Academy of Sciences. He is the author of 230 scientific papers
published in various international journals and periodicals.
