The physics of the complex mixture inside E. coli

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

The physics of the complex mixture inside E. coli

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 10th March 2003
  • Speaker: Richard Sear (Department of Physics University of Surrey)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Bacteria typically have a few thousand different proteins. The number of proteins with a given charge is a roughly Gaussian function of charge - centered near zero, and with a width around ten (in units of the charge on the proton). I have used the charges on E. coli's proteins to estimate the changes in the second virial coefficients of all its proteins as the concentration of a 1:1 salt is increased. The second virial coefficient has dimensions of volume and on average it decreases by about twice the average volume of a protein when the salt concentration is increased from 0.2 to 1 Molar. The standard deviation of the decrease is of the same order. The consequences of this for the complex mixture of proteins inside an E. coli cell, will be briefly discussed.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

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