Phenomena of counterion binding, polyion complexation and polyion condensation

The article handles some aspects of polyelectrolyte research investigated d uring the last ten years at the university of Osnabruck. They are: counteri on binding, polyion complexation, and polyion condensation. Fundamental fea tures are presented that are common to the behaviour of most polyions. Anot her intention is to bridge a gap between synthetic and biological polyelect rolyte research. For this purpose, DNA condensation is reviewed in some det ail.