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Molecular
Symmetry
Biological Systems tend to be
Symmetric
At various levels:
organism shape:
e.g., bilateral, spiral, radial
symmetry.
shape of molecular
structures:
e.g., α-helix (polypeptides),
B-helix (DNA).
even though monomers are
asymmetric (chiral).
Here, we focus on
symmetry in biological
macromolecules.
the types of symmetry.
developing a mathematical
description.
Why Model Symmetry?
A model provides a compact, simplified
description of a complex structure.
which retains important details in minimal form.
Simplifies many problems in Physical
Biochemistry:
structural prediction:
e.g.: helices describe the most likely local secondary
structures (key to protein folding).
help predict the likely outcomes of monomer
variations.
structural determination:
helps interpret results from X-ray diffraction, electron
diffraction, etc.
image reconstruction:
Defining Symmetry
‘Symmetry’ refers to:
a correspondence in system properties on opposite
sides of a dividing line or median plane.
shape, composition, or relative position of parts.
Pseudo-symmetry
Another instance of mirror symmetry: the Human
body.
where each half is a motif.
however, the symmetry is only approximate.
e.g.: the heart is not in the center, but displaced.
Approximate symmetry is called pseudo-symmetry.
Rotational Symmetry
Symmetry about a point or axis is rotational
symmetry.
no inversion of a motif.
instead: reorientation in space, about the center of
mass (axis).
Consider the ‘structure’ formed by 2 right hands:
placed in the 1st and 3rd quadrants…
let m = hand in the 1st quadrant.
m’ = hand in the 3rd quadrant.
corresponding pts in m and m’
related by a rotation operator,
2-fold Rotational Symmetry
Two applications of c causes a full 360o
rotation.
mathematically, c2 = I, the identity matrix.
c is thus identified as C2 :
the 2-fold rotation operator.
said to produce a 2-fold rotation.
and our object’s symmetry axis
the z-axis…
is called a 2-fold rotational axis
of symmetry.
as denoted by the symbol at the origin.
C2 symmetry is also called Dyad symmetry.
C2 and C3 symmetry:
4 C3 axes; 6 C2 axes.
(x’,y’,z’) = Cn (x,y,z) + T ;