Entropically Driven Helix Formation

TL;DR

This paper introduces an entropic model explaining helix formation in biopolymers, predicting that entropy maximization leads to natural-like helical structures in systems of hard spheres and semiflexible tubes.

Contribution

The study presents a novel entropic heuristic model for helix formation, linking entropy maximization to helix geometry in biopolymer-like systems.

Findings

Helix formation maximizes sphere entropy.

Predicted helix geometry aligns with natural helices.

Model suggests potential for self-assembly of supramolecular helices.

Abstract

The helix is a ubiquitous motif for biopolymers. We propose a heuristic, entropically based model that predicts helix formation in a system of hard spheres and semiflexible tubes. We find that the entropy of the spheres is maximized when short stretches of the tube form a helix with a geometry close to that found in natural helices. Our model could be directly tested with wormlike micelles as the tubes, and the effect could be used to self-assemble supramolecular helices.