Designing polymers that mimic biomolecules

A new field is emerging. Chemists are beginning to synthesize polymers with properties that are similar to those of proteins and RNA. Recent studies h ave identified oligomer backbones that form stable secondary structures. It is now possible to assemble specific sequences of diverse monomer sets int o chain lengths that are nearly sufficient for tertiary structure formation . Such molecules will teach us how natural biopolymers fold; they will also enable us to design synthetic heteropolymers with novel structures and des irable functions.