STUDY OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES USING PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES (E.G., PROTEIN FOLDING, MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS)
Abstract
The intricate machinery of living organisms relies on a multitude of biological processes governed by the laws of physics. This study delves into the fascinating intersection of biology and physics by focusing on the analysis of biological processes, with a particular emphasis on protein folding and molecular interactions. The three-dimensional structure of proteins, fundamental to their function, emerges as a conundrum that transcends biology and enters the realm of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Employing principles from these disciplines, this research investigates the mechanisms that guide protein folding, aiming to decipher the underlying rules that govern the journey from a linear amino acid sequence to a functional, three-dimensional structure. Furthermore, molecular interactions, essential for cellular communication, signaling, and enzymatic reactions, are explored through the lens of physical interactions such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. This study employs computational simulations, theoretical models, and experimental techniques to unravel the intricacies of biological processes and provide insights into the molecular basis of life. By bridging the gap between biology and physics, this research not only advances our fundamental understanding of living systems but also holds the promise of contributing to drug discovery, biotechnology, and the design of novel therapeutic interventions.