Physical aspects of protein and DNA synthesis

Abstract

The idea that the synthetic processes of a bacterial cell take place by random collision and specific selection has been examined in terms of Brownian movement theory. The observed rates of protein, deoxyribonucleic acid and ribosome synthesis are used to calculate the necessary concentrations of the metabolites used in the synthetic process. If the collision process must involve the presentation of the active part of the colliding molecule at first impact, then the observed rates require excessive concentrations for soluble ribonucleic acid. The concentration required for nucleotide triphosphates in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid is such that many points of synthesis are called for. If, instead, a very temporary complex can form, of the nature expected from the operation of London-Van der Waals forces, the free rotation of the colliding molecule provides a variety of aspect changes, and the collision process is much more efficient. If this process takes place, the transfer of energy from rotation to vibration becomes important. The precision of assembly of deoxyribonucleic acid is examined in terms of the idea that precision in timing is important. It is shown that the cell could not function in that way if any large molecule had to move during the assembly. It is suggested that enzymes having high activation energies must be present in abnormally high concentrations.