Smectic Capsids

ORAL

Abstract

We develop the theory of capsids that are in a smectic liquid crystal state. The capsids of the double-tailed Archaeal viruses are able to execute a large shape change, while maintaining their integrity with respect to capsid tension generated by osmotic pressure. We propose that these capsids are in a smectic liquid crystalline state, consistent with the spiral molecular organization of the capsid proteins. We show that smectic capsids have a strong restoring force against the formation ofaneurysm-type bulge formation while still allowing for large scale cooperative shape changes, consistent with the observations on the Archaeal viruses.

*We acknowledge support from NSF-DMR under grant 60028531

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Presenters

  • Robijn Bruinsma

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California - Los Angeles
    • Univ of California - Los Angeles
    • Physics and Astronomy, Univ of California - Los Angeles

Authors

  • Robijn Bruinsma

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California - Los Angeles
    • Univ of California - Los Angeles
    • Physics and Astronomy, Univ of California - Los Angeles

  • Sanjay Dharmavaram

    • Physics and Astronomy, Univ of California - Los Angeles

  • Joseph Rudnick

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California - Los Angeles
    • Univ of California - Los Angeles
    • Physics and Astronomy, Univ of California - Los Angeles