Publisher's Note: "Perturbative density functional methods for cholesteric liquid crystals" [J. Chem. Phys. 146,...

The fluid mosaic model was first proposed as a visual representation of research observations. The model comprises the composition and dynamics of membranes and serves as a foundation for future membrane-related studies. The model depicts the structure of the plasma membrane with a variety of components, which include phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These integral molecules are loosely bound, defining the cell’s border and providing fluidity for optimal function.LipidsThe most...

Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.Fatty acids tails of phospholipids can be either saturated or...

A neutral atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by a negatively charged electron cloud. When placed in an external electric field, the external electric force pulls the electrons and nucleus apart, opposite to the intrinsic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons. The opposing forces balance each other with a slight shift between the center of masses of the nucleus and the electron cloud, resulting in a polarized atom. On the other hand, a few molecules, like water,...

Nonideal liquid solutions, also known as real solutions, do not strictly follow Raoult's law. Raoult's law is a rule of thumb in physical chemistry. However, not all mixtures adhere to this law due to varying molecular interactions. For example, in an acetone/chloroform solution, the individual vapor pressures of the components are lower than expected, resulting in a total vapor pressure below that predicted by Raoult's law, causing a negative deviation.On the other hand, in an ethanol/water...

The Debye–Hückel theory, established by Peter Debye and Erich Hückel in 1923, is a fundamental concept in physical chemistry. It provides an understanding of the behavior of strong electrolytes in solution, particularly explaining their deviations from ideal behavior.The theory is based on Coulombic interactions (the attraction or repulsion between charged particles) between ions in solution. In an ionic solution, oppositely charged ions tend to attract each other. This means that cations...

The Debye-Hückel-Onsager equation is a cornerstone of physical chemistry, providing a method to determine the molar conductance (Λm) and molar conductance at infinite dilution (Λ°m) for uni-univalent electrolytes.Uni-univalent electrolytes are electrolytes that dissociate in solution to produce one cation with a +1 charge and one anion with a –1 charge per formula unit.This equation addresses two crucial phenomena: the asymmetry effect and the electrophoretic effect. According to this equation,...