Structure, Cellular Synthesis and Assembly of Biopolymers
By: edited by Steven T. Case
Series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, A Series of Topical Volumes in Developmental Biology -- 19; Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, A Series of Topical Volumes in Developmental Biology -- 19.
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; Imprint: Springer
Published: 1992
Place of publication: Berlin, Heidelberg
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Number of pages: 294
ISBN-13: 9783540472070
Subjects: Life sciences; Cytology; Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Polymers; Life Sciences; Biophysics and Biological Physics; Biochemistry, general; Polymer Sciences
Description: Many naturally occurring biopolymers have unique structures and unique physical or mechanical properties. The understan- ding of the moleclar basisof these biomolecules, their syn- thesis, assembly and processing is a prerequisit for any ap- plication to the design of novel biomolecular materials. Se- veral classes of biopolymers are sampled in depth in this volume, such as nanolaminated ceramics, adhesive proteins, eggshellproteins, protein fibres and silk which are synthe- sized by a variety of organisms (mulluscs, parasitic trema- todes, fish and insects). The reader will be introduced to the biological systems to understand Nature's use of each biopolymer and the highly differentiated cells responsible for their synthesis. Corresponding to the variety of organ- isms and possible applications of biopolymers, the combined expertise of interdisciplinary teams of scientists - such as the authors of this volume - have the greatestopportunity to decipher and exploit Nature's skill in biopolymer engi- neering.