Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures
Published on: May 31, 2024
Poly(ADP-ribose) in Condensates: The PARtnership of Phase Separation and Site-Specific Interactions
Elizaveta E Alemasova1, Olga I Lavrik1,2
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
Abstract:
Biomolecular condensates are nonmembrane cellular compartments whose formation in many cases involves phase separation (PS). Despite much research interest in this mechanism of macromolecular self-organization, the concept of PS as applied to a live cell faces certain challenges. In this review, we discuss a basic model of PS and the role of site-specific interactions and percolation in cellular PS-related events. Using a multivalent poly(ADP-ribose) molecule as an example, which has high PS-driving potential due to its structural features, we consider how site-specific interactions and network formation are involved in the formation of phase-separated cellular condensates.
Related Concept Videos
Nucleic Acid Structure
DNA Structure
DNA...
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
Condensins
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...

