Molecular Machines presents a dynamic new approach to the physics of enzymes and DNA from the perspective of materials science. Unified around the concept of molecular deformability-how proteins and DNA stretch, fold, and change shape-this book describes the complex molecules of life from the innovative perspective of materials properties and dynamics, in contrast to structural or purely chemical approaches. It covers a wealth of topics, including nonlinear deformability of enzymes and DNA; the chemo-dynamic cycle of enzymes; supra-molecular constructions with internal stress; nano-rheology and viscoelasticity; and chemical kinetics, Brownian motion, and barrier crossing. Essential reading for researchers in materials science, engineering, and nanotechnology, the book also describes the landmark experiments that have established the materials properties and energy landscape of large biological molecules.

Molecular Machines is also ideal for the classroom. It gives graduate students a working knowledge of model building in statistical mechanics, making it an essential resource for tomorrow's experimentalists in this cutting-edge field. In addition, mathematical methods are introduced in the bio-molecular context-for example, DNA conformational transitions are used to illustrate the transfer matrix formalism. The result is a generalized approach to mathematical problem solving that enables students to apply their findings more broadly.

Molecular Machines represents the next leap forward in nanoscience, as researchers strive to harness proteins, enzymes, and DNA as veritable machines in medicine, technology, and beyond.

About the Author
Giovanni Zocchi is professor of physics at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the coauthor of Physics in Molecular Biology.

Reviews
"Stimulating. Zocchi presents a new and refreshing perspective on old fundamental problems. Molecular Machines is an important book."-Anatoly B. Kolomeisky, author of Motor Proteins and Molecular Motors
"A unique and useful book that brings together many important aspects of DNA and protein mechanics, kinetics, and dynamics into one unified text."-Peter M. Hoffmann, author of Life's Ratchet: How Molecular Machines Extract Order from Chaos
"Zocchi brings a strong physical materials science perspective to the discussion of molecular machines, focusing on the dynamics of interactions and interplay of forces. Molecular Machines will be readily approachable by experimentalists with a solid and robust physics background."-Christopher Yip, University of Toronto



Book Information
ISBN 9780691173863
Author Giovanni Zocchi
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publisher Princeton University Press