ROTATIONAL ELECTROLYTE FRICTION ON NONSPHERICAL POLYIONS

Here we present an approximate theory, based on the generalized Langev in equation approach to tracer diffusion, which describes the electrol yte friction effects on the rotational diffusion coefficient of non-sp herical polyions of axially symmetric (but otherwise arbitrary) shape and charge distribution, This theory is applied to a simple model poly ion, a prolate ellipsoid with a linear charge distribution along the l ine between its foci, The results are compared with the corresponding results for the translational diffusion coefficient. Quantitative pred ictions are discussed for a concrete experimental system, namely, toba cco mosaic virus in aqueous solution at infinite dilution but variable ionic strength.