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Molecular interactions in aqueous solutions: The role of random fluctuations of external parameters and of thermodynamic instabilities
Author(s) -
PalmaVittorelli M. B.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
international journal of quantum chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-461X
pISSN - 0020-7608
DOI - 10.1002/qua.560350106
Subject(s) - instability , chemical physics , supramolecular chemistry , nonlinear system , spinodal , aqueous solution , thermodynamics , chemistry , statistical physics , thermodynamic system , polymer , molecule , phase (matter) , physics , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry
A biological system usually operates under nonstable values of relevant parameters, such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. The question therefore poses whether such fluctations do affect its relevant processes. Experimental studies on the role of random temperature fluctuations on functional encounters of biostructural polymer molecules, and consequent self‐assembly of supramolecular structures, have evidenced an additional, noise‐induced order of these structures. This type of effect is the result of nonlinearity in physical systems, and the case of a biosystem is especially interesting. As recent experiments have shown, spinodal decomposition resulting from thermodynamic instability may favor the onset of the supramolecular ordering process. If the random fluctuations of temperature are imposed in such conditions of thermodynamic instability, their ordering effect is further enhanced.