ORGN 280 |
| We aim to understand complex biochemical networks and synthesize chemical networks with similar functions. We are inspired by physical organic chemistry, addressing a conceptually similar challenge – understanding molecular reactivity. Physorg separates complex molecules into modules (functional groups), and develops rules for interactions of modules (mechanisms). Synthesis is then used to test this approach. We have developed a similar approach to complex reaction networks. We proposed modular mechanisms for function of networks (e.g. describing the network of ~80 reactions of hemostasis with three modules). We showed that the function of networks can be reproduced using chemical reactions with appropriate kinetic for each module in the mechanism. Microfluidics enabled this “synthesis” by controlling reactions in space and time. Chemical models made successful predictions describing complex reaction networks of hemostasis (blood clotting) and Drosophila embryonic development. |
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Arthur C. Cope Award and Arthur C. Cope Scholar Awards
8:00 AM-12:10 PM, Tuesday, 30 August 2005 Washington DC Convention Center -- Ballroom C, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |