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Related Concept Videos

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:10

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

3.2K
Chain-growth or addition polymerization is successive addition reactions of monomers with a polymer chain. In radical chain-growth polymerization, the reaction proceeds via a free-radical intermediate. The free radical is formed from radical initiators, which spontaneously generate free radicals by homolytic fission. Organic peroxides (such as dibenzoyl peroxide, as shown in Figure 1) or azo compounds are popular radical initiators. A low concentration ratio of radical initiator to monomer is...
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:09

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

3.4K
The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this species into...
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Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

9.5K
The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching01:17

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching

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The skeletal structure of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization is always branched. For example, the polymerization of ethylene by radical polymerization results in a low-density grade of polyethylene with a heavily branched skeletal structure. Here, the radical site abstracts hydrogen from the growing chain, and the radical site shifts from the end (a primary carbon center) to anywhere within the growing chain (a secondary carbon center). Consequently, the part of the chain from the...
2.5K
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

6.6K
Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
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Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals01:16

Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals

2.6K
Radicals adjacent to electron-donating groups are called nucleophilic radicals. These radicals readily react with electrophilic alkenes. The SOMO–LUMO interactions are the driving force for the reaction, where the high-energy SOMO of the electron-rich, nucleophilic radicals interacts with the low-energy LUMO of the electron-deficient, electrophilic alkenes. Such SOMO–LUMO interactions are the basis of reactive radical traps, affecting the selectivity in radical reactions. For...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst

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Radical polymerization inside living cells.

Jin Geng1, Weishuo Li1, Yichuan Zhang1

  • 1EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Nature Chemistry
|April 17, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists developed a new method for synthesizing polymers directly inside cells using light-activated free radical polymerization. This breakthrough enables precise control over cellular functions and long-term cell tracking through custom macromolecule generation.

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Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
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Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst

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Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Intracellular polymerization reactions face challenges due to the complex cellular environment.
  • Existing methods for polymer synthesis are often incompatible with living cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a method for synthesizing unnatural polymers directly within cells.
  • To demonstrate the utility of in cellulo polymer generation for cellular manipulation and tracking.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized free radical photopolymerization with biocompatible acrylic and methacrylic monomers.
  • Conducted polymerization reactions within the complex intracellular environment.

Main Results:

  • Successfully synthesized unnatural polymers in cellulo.
  • Demonstrated that generated polymers can alter cellular motility.
  • Showcased the ability to create fluorescent polymers for long-term cell labeling.
  • Generated various nanostructures within cells.

Conclusions:

  • Free radical polymerization is feasible within complex cellular environments.
  • This approach provides a versatile platform for modulating cellular behavior.
  • Opens new avenues for cell tracking, functional control, and understanding cellular responses to radical generation.