Proceedings in Life Sciences

Proceedings in Life Sciences

Supramolecular Structure and Function Edited by Greta Pifat-Mrzljak With 86 Figures Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York Tokyo

Dr. GRETA PIFAT-MRZLJAK Ruder Boskovic Institute P.O. Box 1016 41001 Zagreb, Yugoslavia Cover illustration from an idea by F. Mrz1jak ISBN-13: 978-3-642-70907-4 e-isbn-13: 978-3-642-70905-0 DOl: 10.1007/978-3-642-70905-0 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. Main entry under title: Supramolecular structure and function. (proceedings in life sciences). Papers presented at the International School on Biophysics "Supramolecular Structure and Function," held Sept. 1984 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Includes bibliographies and index. I. Biological chemistry - Congresses. 2. Macromolecules - Congresses. 3. Molecular biology - Congresses. I. Pifat-Mrzljak, Greta. II. International School on Biophysics "Supramolecular Structure and Function (1984: Dubrovnik, Croatia). III. Series. [DNLM: 1. Macromolecular Systems - congresses. 2. Molecular Biology - congresses. QH 506 S959]. QP514.2.S668 1986 574.19'24 85-31715. This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically those of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, broadcasting, reproduction by photocopying machine or similar means, and storage in data banks. Under 54 of the German Copyright Law, where copies are made for other than private use, a fee is payable to "Verwertungsgesellschaft Wort", Munich. by Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1986 Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 1986 The use of registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. 2131/3130-543210

Preface During the past decade we have witnessed not only an increase in knowledge of the "traditional" biophysical problems, but also an understanding of the molecular basis of various biological phenomena. The principles and methods of biophysics now provide an underpinning of all of the basic biosciences and are the rational language for discussion between scientists of different disciplines. The International School on Biophysics Supramolecular Structure and Function held in Dubrovnik in September 1984 had as its goal to provide comprehensive discussions on a large number of subjects both for younger scientists at the doctoral or postdoctoral level interested in the molecular nature of fundamental biological entities, and for experienced scientists wishing to gain a broader insight into molecular structures and functions. The topics discussed at the School were inter- and intramolecular interactions in biological systems, and the structure, organization, and function of biological macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies. A number of topics were centered around either a biological problem or a physical technique, sometimes giving an unbalanced view of the field under discussion. Some of the topics required previous knowledge of basic biophysical principles, which were then applied to gain greater insight into the molecular functions of diverse supramolecular systems. Although not all the lectures could be prepared for publication in this volume, I hope that it contains valuable up-to-date information on various aspects of the molecular basis of life. I wish to express my gratitude to the authors of this volume, who have contributed to the reader's understanding of biophysical problems, and perhaps provided stimulation for further study. The School was organized by the Yugoslav Biophysical Society, the Croatian Biophysical Society and Ruder B o ~ oinstitute v i c in cooperation with UNESCO, sponsored by the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics (IUPAB), together with the Scientific Councils of Croatia and Yugoslavia. Financial aid to the School by these bodies is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks go in particular to the Scientific Councils for enabling the preparation of this volume. Zagreb, January 1986 Greta Pifat-Mrzljak

Contents Receptors - What We Know and What We Wish to Know D. HadZi. (With 5 Figures)........................... 1 Biotechnological Applications of Model Membranes and Phospholipid Polymers F.M. Goni, A. Alonso, and D. Chapman (With 13 Figures)... " 19 Lipid Membrane Self-Assembly and Nonlamellar Phase Transitions D. Marsh (With 5 Figures).......................... 38 Spin Label ESR Spectroscopy and Molecular Mobility in Biological Systems D. Marsh (With 5 Figures).......................... 48 Neutron Scatter Studies of Chromatin Structure E.M. Bradbury and J.P. Baldwin (With 16 Figures)... " 63 In VivoNMR D.G. Gadian (With 2 Figures)........................ 93 Vision Research: Raman/Fluorescence Studies on Aging and Cataract Formation in the Lens N.-T. Yu and B.C. Barron (With 21 Figures)... 104 Representation of Visual World in the Striate Cortex S. Mareelja (With 6 Figures)... 129 Reflections on the Evolvement of Life M. Anbar... 142 The Interface Between Chemistry and Biology - Laws Determining Regularities in Early Evolution P. Schuster (With 13 Figures)... 154 Glossary... 187 Subject Index...... 189

Contributors You will fmd the addresses at the beginning of the respective contribution Alonso, Alicia 19 Anbar, Michael 142 Baldwin, J.P. 63 Barron, Brent C. 104 Bradbury, E. Morton 63 Chapman, Dennis 19 Gadian, David G. 93 Goni, Felix M. 19 HadZi, Dusan 1 Marcelja, Stipe 129 Marsh, Derek 38,48 Nai-Teng Yu 104 Schuster, Peter 154