Chiral Dualism as a Unifying Principle in Molecular Biophysics

Abstract

The origin and potential role of chiral asymmetry remain one of the most exciting issues in biology. In this paper we review the chirality of biological macromolecules, starting at the level of single molecules and continuing to the level of supramolecular assemblies. We discuss the physical and chemical consequences of the presence of chirality and their role in the self-organization and formation of structural hierarchies in cells. Homochirality may serve as an essential factor that invokes mechanisms required to control the formation of discrete structural hierarchies in macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies. Symmetry is of fundamental importance not only for all molecular biology as a systemic factor of its organization but also for pharmacology, as well as a systemic factor of drug stereospecificity.

Arrow of Time, Entropy, and Protein Folding: Holistic View on Biochirality

“…Evolutionary-selected homochirality of proteins synthesis allows for minimization in the amount of information required for the explicit coding of AAs sequences by the nucleic acids [ 63 , 64 ]. The homochiral AAs chain undergoes enzymatic and spontaneous modifications, accompanied by a variety of phase transitions (PhTs) [ 25 , 28 , 65 , 66 ].…”

“…Furthermore, these highly conformational dynamics are attributed to the high level of entropy in the system, which is reduced at each step of protein folding. The essential advantages attributed to protein homochirality are clearly articulated [ 63 , 64 , 96 , 97 ].…”

Molecular insights into the stereospecificity of arginine in RNA tetraloop folding

“…39 It is evident from the literature that the many physical properties of biomolecules, including various RNA motifs, show a marginal difference in the presence of chiral small molecules. [40][41][42][43] Even though the dynamics of various RNA tetraloop motifs have been studied extensively using molecular dynamics simulations, the impact of chirality-dependent folding-unfolding studies using computational studies has not been well explored. The molecular driving force and mechanistic aspects that cause the specific effects of the enantiomers on foldingunfolding events remain as a mystery.…”

“…It is evident from the literature that the many physical properties of biomolecules, including various RNA motifs, show a marginal difference in the presence of chiral small molecules. 40–43…”