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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

36.0K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
36.0K
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

3.6K
Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
3.6K
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

2.3K
Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
2.3K
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

2.9K
Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
2.9K
Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

3.6K
For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.
3.6K
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

2.4K
The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
2.4K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level
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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

Published on: September 26, 2016

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Condensation Goes Viral: A Polymer Physics Perspective.

Jhullian J Alston1, Andrea Soranno1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St Louis, 660 St Euclid Ave, 63110 Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, 63130 Saint Louis, MO, USA.

Journal of Molecular Biology
|January 29, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Viruses exploit cellular membraneless organelles for replication and immune evasion. Understanding the polymer physics of these compartments aids in developing new antiviral strategies.

Keywords:
biomolecular condensatescondensationphase separationvirus

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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

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Monitoring the Effects of Illumination on the Structure of Conjugated Polymer Gels Using Neutron Scattering
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Monitoring the Effects of Illumination on the Structure of Conjugated Polymer Gels Using Neutron Scattering

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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level
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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

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Monitoring the Effects of Illumination on the Structure of Conjugated Polymer Gels Using Neutron Scattering
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Virology

Background:

  • Recent advances reveal the critical role of membraneless organelles in cellular organization.
  • These dynamic compartments are formed by specific physical properties and biological mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the fundamental polymer physics concepts governing membraneless organelles.
  • To connect these physical principles to viral hijacking of cellular machinery.
  • To discuss biophysical methods for studying these phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Review of polymer physics principles relevant to biomolecular condensates.
  • Analysis of viral strategies for utilizing or forming membraneless organelles.
  • Description of biophysical techniques for quantitative analysis.

Main Results:

  • Membraneless organelles are crucial for viral replication, assembly, genome packaging, and immune evasion.
  • Polymer physics concepts like condensation and phase separation explain viral genome organization and compartment formation.
  • Biophysical methods offer quantitative insights into these dynamic processes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the physical basis of membraneless organelles is key to deciphering viral strategies.
  • This knowledge can inform the development of novel therapeutic interventions against viral infections.