Defects in associating systems: Example of actin

A statistical mechanical model is given for linear associating systems that contain defects, using the double-stranded actin polymer as an example, We treat the system as a one-dimensional lattice that can desorb monomers (gi ving defects) using grand partition function techniques. The main differenc e from a standard adsorption problem is that the monomer units are also res ponsible for the structural integrity of the lattice (polymer) and if too m any desorb the polymer will be broken. We use literature data to estimate t he density of defects in the actin polymer. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc .