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Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture
10:53

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Published on: July 4, 2011

Conformon-driven biopolymer shape changes in cell modeling.

Sungchul Ji1, Gabriel Ciobanu

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA. sji@eohsi.rutgers.edu

Bio Systems
|August 14, 2003
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces the Bhopalator conceptual model and its twin theories, conformon and cell language theories, to explain cell functions. These theories are elaborated to enable computer modeling of living cells using a new "shape algebra".

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Area of Science:

  • Computational Biology
  • Theoretical Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Conceptual models of the atom preceded mathematical models, suggesting a similar path for living cell computer modeling.
  • The Bhopalator conceptual model, conformon theory, and cell language theory were developed to understand cell functions.
  • Existing theories explain biopolymer interactions and energy coupling but require a framework for computational modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and elaborate on the conformon theory and cell language theory for computational biologists and computer scientists.
  • To provide a molecular-level explanation for cell functions based on teleonomic shape changes of biopolymers.
  • To develop an algebraic language for converting conceptual cell models into computer models.

Main Methods:

  • Review and elaboration of conformon theory and cell language theory.
  • Application of the generalized Franck-Condon principle to explain energy coupling in biopolymer shape changes.
  • Development of a "shape algebra" based on Milner's process algebra (pi-calculus) for modeling biomolecular interactions.

Main Results:

  • Conformon theory explains reversible biopolymer actions coupled to irreversible chemical reactions.
  • Cell language theory provides a framework for understanding dynamic biopolymer interactions within the cell.
  • Teleonomic (goal-directed) shape changes of biopolymers, driven by conformons and chemical reactions, can account for cell functions.

Conclusions:

  • The conceptual model of the cell, integrating conformon and cell language theories, can be translated into a computer model.
  • The proposed "shape algebra" is capable of describing complex and mobile interaction patterns among biomolecules.
  • This approach offers a pathway to molecular-level understanding and computer modeling of living cell functions.