Model Studies of Molecular Interactions in Biomembranes

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Biomembrane physics has been subject to a tremendous development during the last decade. This is due to experimentors who, using techniques from modern physics, have provided an accurate experimental description of certain synthetic lipid bilayers and reconstituted cell membranes. As a result of the experimental efforts, these model membranes now present themselves as extremely well- characterized systems with properties which are believed to be common to a great variety of biological membranes. At the same time, the experimental work has highlighted an urgent need for a parallel theoretical actiity. Dr. Scott's research addresses questions involving the nature and manifestiation of molecular interactions in biomembranes. The first is an analytical project in which new models for lipid bilayer condensed phases will be constructed and analyzed. The second is a large scale simulation of model lipid-protein interactions in membranes. Statistical physics is a difficult field to work in and more so when combined with biology. Dr. Scott's recent record demonstrates that he is most capable of handling any problems that arise and will make significant contributions to this field.