Can self assembly of macromolecules occur in vivo?
I think it does occur. DNA, RNA, polypeptides, etc.
http://www.worldscibooks.com/physics/5347.html
Yes, self-assembly of macromolecules can occur in vivo. This process is essential for various biological functions and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of cells and organisms. Let me explain further how self-assembly happens and provide additional resources to explore the topic in more detail.
Self-assembly is a spontaneous process by which individual components come together to form larger, ordered structures without external intervention. In the context of macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA, and polypeptides, self-assembly refers to their ability to fold and interact with each other to form complex structures.
For example, DNA molecules are made up of two complementary strands that can bind together through hydrogen bonding between specific base pairs (adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine). When the conditions are appropriate, the two strands can combine and form a double helix structure.
Similarly, polypeptides (chains of amino acids) can fold into specific three-dimensional structures, driven by the interactions between different parts of the molecule. These folded structures are critical for their biological functions, such as enzymes catalysis or structural support.
RNA molecules also self-assemble into complex structures through base pairing between the nitrogenous bases, similar to DNA. Additionally, certain RNA molecules, called ribozymes, can catalyze chemical reactions, demonstrating the functional significance of their self-assembly.
To explore the topic of self-assembly of macromolecules further, you can refer to the resource you mentioned, "Self-Assembly: From Surfactants to Nanoparticles," by Bing Xu and Ribhu K. Vaidya. This book likely provides an in-depth understanding of self-assembly processes across various types of macromolecules.
Additionally, numerous scientific articles, journals, and textbooks cover this topic extensively. Online research databases like PubMed or Google Scholar can be excellent starting points for finding relevant scientific papers on self-assembly of macromolecules in vivo.
Remember, self-assembly is a fascinating field of study that continues to advance our understanding of the complex processes that occur within living organisms.