Role of water in some biological processes.

摘要: The state of intracellular water has been a matter controversy for long time two reasons. First, experiments have often given conflicting results. Second, hitherto, there no plausible grounds assuming that should be significantly different from bulk water. A collective behavior molecules is suggested here as thermodynamically inevitable mechanism generation appreciable zones abnormal At highly charged surface, move together, generating zone perhaps 6 nm thick, which weakly hydrogen bonded, fluid, and reactive selectively accumulates small cations, multivalent anions, hydrophobic solutes. apart local becomes strongly inert, viscous large univalent compatible Proteins many other biopolymers patchy surfaces therefore induce, by the mechanisms described, interfacial structures, extended distances surface. reason experimental results now apparent. Average values properties measured in gels, cells, or solutions proteins are not very same normal water, giving indication they averages extreme values. To detect operation this phenomenon, it necessary to probe single population. Examples such given. It shown amounts considerable biological force, can equivalent pressure 1,000 atm (1.013 x 10(5) kPa). cells accumulate K+ ions solutes avoid extremes structure their aqueous compartments, but cation pumps enzymes exploit solvent reactivities perform work transport synthesis.