A Review of Polymer Physics and Potential Applications to Radiation Biophysics and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Polymers are an essential aspect of molecular biology and biochemistry. The most significant of macromolecules involved in biological processes and phenomena are polymers. In this article, we provide a comprehensive summary of the proposed physical models for the configuration of polymers. Such physical models include the freely-jointed chain, freely-rotating chain, worm-like chain, and the Gaussian chain model. We then connect these models to the existing models regarding the radiation biophysics of DNA damage, as well as to the damage of RNA molecules, and provide an insight into future areas of research in the subject areas. The conclusion is that polymer physics and the Linear-Quadratic model can be used for future biophysical research in cancer and neurological disorders. Through such connections, we hope to provide a potential future insight with regards to biophysical research in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.