During the past decade we have witnessed not only an increase in knowledge of the "traditional" biophysical problems, but also an understanding of the molecular basis of various biological phenomena. The principles and methods of biophysics now provide an underpin ning of all of the basic biosciences and are the rational language for discussion between scientists of different disciplines. The International School on Biophysics Supramolecular Structure and Function held in Dubrovnik in September 1984 had as its goal to provide comprehensive discussions on a large number of subjects both for younger scientists at the doctoral or postdoctoral level interested in the molecular nature of fundamental biological entities, and for experienced scientists wishing to gain a broader insight into molecular structures and functions. The topics discussed at the School were inter- and intramolecular interactions in biological systems, and the structure, organization, and function of biological macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies. A number of topics were centered around either a biological problem or a physical technique, sometimes giving an unbalanced view of the field under discussion. Some of the topics required previous knowledge of basic biophysical principles, which were then applied to gain greater insight into the molecular functions of diverse supramolecular systems. Although not all the lectures could be prepared for publication in this volume, I hope that it contains valuable up-to-date information on various aspects of the molecular basis of life.

The molecular basis of life has been a rapidly growing field of science. There is perhaps no other field where such diverse profiles of scientists, ranging from applied mathematicians and theoretical physicists to experimental biologists and medical doctors (physicians), are compelled to communicate and even to col laborate. This diversity makes the exchange of information richer but at the same time more cumbersome. One way to facilitate the exchange of information and to overcome the barriers between the different languages used by physicists, chemists and biologists is to organize a meeting on a subject of common interest. A par ticularly suitable form of such a meeting for younger scientists is a school at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. This volume contains a collection of lectures presented at the International Summer School in Biophysics, held under the title "Supramolecular Structure and Function" in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, in September 1981. The topics discussed at the school were inter- and intramolecular interactions in biological systems, and structure, organization and function of biological macromole cules and supramolecular structures. Although not all the lectures could be prepared in a written form on time for publication, we hope that the present volume contains valuable up-to-date infor mation on various aspects of the molecular basis of life. We wish to express our gratitude to the eminent authors and to state that, having received so much valuable assistance from them, we as editors can only attach our names to apologies for any erro~s that may remain.

This volume covers some powerful biophysical methods, such as analytical centrifugation, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, electron spin resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance, for the study of complex biological structures, and discusses useful physical concepts as applied to biological and biochemical systems. Case-orientated studies concentrating on particular methodologies are presented and examples are given, addressing some of the most important aspects of structure-function relationship in biological assemblies. Biophysics nowadays collaborates closely with molecular biology and bioinformatics and this is also demonstrated in this book. The book will be of interest both to experienced researchers wishing to widen their insight into molecular structure and function, and to younger scientists at the doctoral and postdoctoral level interested in the molecular nature of fundamental biological entities and phenomena.

Presenting the work of pioneering experts in this exciting field of supramolecular polymer chemistry, this monograph covers an extensive range of applications, including drug delivery and catalysis. It focuses on new structures and phenomena of cyclodextrin-based supramolecular polymers and many other compound classes. While providing a deeper insight in macromolecular recognition and the mechanisms of living systems, this book also introduces fascinating novel phenomena beyond natural systems.

Supramolecular Enzyme Organization: Quaternary Structure and Beyond provides a comprehensive discussion of enzyme interactions. It attempts to place conceptually related phenomena in a common perspective by first scrutinizing enzyme interactions at the quaternary level and then moving on towards higher orders of organization. The book begins with a discussion of the hierarchy of enzymes, covering the structure of monomeric enzymes, enzyme structures beyond the monomeric stage, and protein-protein interactions. Separate chapters cover the chemistry of protein associations; the quaternary structure of enzymes; multienzyme systems; multienzyme complexes and conjugates; the association of enzymes with cellular structures; and metabolite compartmentation. The final chapters discuss trends in the study of enzyme systems and the dialectics of enzymology. This book is intended, not for the specialist, who knows much more about the individual questions than the text offers, but rather for the general biochemical reader interested in enzyme organization. There is practically no mathematics involved. Instead, quite elementary things are described, so that students and biologists with less background knowledge on enzymes will be able to join in.

A must-have resource that covers everything from out-of-equilibrium chemical systems and materials to dissipative self-assemblies Out-of-Equilibrium Supramolecular Systems and Materials presents a comprehensive overview of the synthetic approaches that use supramolecular bonds in various out-of-thermodynamic equilibrium situations. With contributions from noted experts on the topic, the text contains information on the design of dissipative self-assemblies that maintain their structures when fueled by an external source of energy. The contributors also examine molecules and nanoscale objects and materials that can produce mechanical work based on molecular machines. Additionally, the book explores non-equilibrium supramolecular polymers that can be trapped in kinetically stable states, as well as out-of-equilibrium chemical systems and oscillators that are important to understand the emergence of complex behaviors and, in particular, the origin of life. This important book: Offers comprehensive coverage of fields from design of dissipative self-assemblies to non-equilibrium supramolecular polymers Presents information on a highly emerging and interdisciplinary topic Includes contributions from internationally renowned scientists Written for chemists, physical chemists, biochemists, material scientists, Out-of-Equilibrium Supramolecular Systems and Materials is an indispensable resource written by top scientists in the field.

Non-covalent interactions, which are the heart of supramolecular chemistry are also the basis of most important functions of living systems. The ability to apply supramolecular chemistry principles to the life sciences, such as designing synthetic host compounds to selectively interact within biological targets, has gained wide appeal due the vast number of potential applications. Supramolecular Systems for Biomedical Fields provides in sixteen chapters a comprehensive overview of these applications. Each chapter covers a specific topic and is written by internationally renowned experts in that area. Sensing of bioactive inorganic ions and organic substrates is the focus of several contributions, as well as interactions with proteins and nucleic acids. Specific chapters are devoted to cyclodextrins, calixarenes and cucurbiturils as most frequently used receptors, including applications such as drug delivery and protection, gene transfer and others. Other chapters address the use of combinatorial libraries, molecular imprinting techniques, enzyme assays, supramolecular gels, bioimaging, drug activation, photodynamic therapy, and antitumour metal complexes. This timely publication will appeal to graduate students and researchers from chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, and medicinal fields interested in the supramolecular chemistry of biological systems and their practical potentials.