Application of Molecular Modeling to Biological Processes

Abstract

Detailed understanding of the molecular basis for biological processes is now available through computational modeling techniques. Advances in computational algorithms and technology allow applications to large biological macromolecules and permits the study of such problems as binding mechanisms, chemical reactivity, structural and conformational effects, and simulations of molecular motions. Recent crystallographic data provides access to detailed structural information that allows analysis and comparison of various computational techniques. Preliminary semiempirical studies on N- acetylneuraminic acid are presented as an example of computational studies on binding mechanisms. N-acetylneuraminic acid is a substituted carbohydrate, which is a recognition site for binding of proteins (i.e., cholera toxin). These calculations provide some insight into electronic effects on bin in a crystal complex and the effect of the molecular charge on hydrogen bonding the crystal complex. Computational chemistry, Computational biology, Molecular modeling.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA272612

Entities

People

  • Alfred H. Lowrey
  • Charles Wick
  • George R. Famini

Organizations

  • Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Phenomena
  • Biological Processes
  • Blood
  • Carbohydrates
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Computational Modeling
  • Computational Science
  • Mechanics
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Simulations

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Quantum Chemistry

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics