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Science 20 March 1987:
Vol. 235. no. 4795, pp. 1478 - 1484
DOI: 10.1126/science.3823899
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Articles

Science, Vol 235, Issue 4795, 1478-1484
Copyright © 1987 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Model studies in molecular recognition

J Rebek Jr

Recognition at the molecular level is a fundamental characteristic of biochemical systems. Recent models developed in bioorganic chemistry have revealed the importance of complementarity in size, shape, and functional groups in molecular recognition. Structures that feature a cleft are particularly effective in regard to complementarity since functional groups attached to the interior of the cleft converge on substrates held inside. The molecular clefts offer the advantage of efficient construction; their surfaces can be tailored for specific applications. This article describes their use for recognition of acids, bases, amino acids, metal ions, and neutral substrates. Their ability to provide microenvironments complementary to asymmetric molecules and their future promise are discussed.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Supramolecular Structure and Dynamics Special Feature: Functional cavitands: Chemical reactivity in structured environments.
B. W. Purse and J. Rebek Jr. (2005)
PNAS 102, 10777-10782
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Supramolecular Chemistry And Self-assembly Special Feature: Molecules within molecules: Recognition through self-assembly.
F. Hof and J. Rebek Jr. (2002)
PNAS 99, 4775-4777
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Supramolecular Chemistry And Self-assembly Special Feature: Molecules within molecules: Recognition through self-assembly.
F. Hof and J. Rebek Jr. (2002)
PNAS 99, 4775-4777
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)