Lois Pollack
School of Applied & Engineering Physics, Cornell University
Abstract:
Large biological
molecules like proteins and RNA, carry out their functions by folding to
well-defined three-dimensional structures. We are interested in
identifying the physical interactions that direct this self-assembly
process. By combining microfabricated flow cells with synchrotron x-ray
scattering, we have gained insight into the earliest steps of RNA
folding. A recent series of experiments indicates that the critical,
first stage of RNA folding is dominated by electrostatic interactions.
Anomalous SAXS can also be used to probe the ions surrounding nucleic
acid strands. Recent experiments carried out at CHESS provide further
insight into the fundamental importance of electrostatics to biology.
2008 Run
Nov 19th - Dec 22nd
