HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS - THEIR OPERATION IN LIVING SYSTEMS

Evidence is provided for the enormous role of hydrophobic interactions in aqueous solutions, It is concluded that complementary functions of hydrophilic and of hydrophobic species are in continuous operation an d that these are a conditio sine qua non for the existence of the liqu id, With regard to the supermolecular aggregations, hydrophobic intera ctions are operative on the highest hierarchic levels of the system or ganization, i.e. at the interface and at the holes around dissolved hy drophobic species, It is further emphasized that water is essential bo th for the unity and for the differentiation of each living organism, With regard to its role for the differentiation of the body, the hydro phobic interactions are of paramount importance, notably those provide d by amphipathic solutes, The cell membrane is considered to be the re sult of interactions between the highest hierarchic levels of intracel lular and extracellular water, The hydrophobic double layer provides t he barriers for the separation of intracellular and extracellular wate r and at the same time the connections for recognition and for exchang e of information between them, The DNA structures obtain conservative boundary conditions for their surrounding water systems which do not f reeze at - 60 degrees C, These water systems are dynamically superior to all other parts of the water system of the organism, It is suggeste d that more knowledge about the abilities of liquid water can be obtai ned by giving appropriate attention to its properties within the livin g body. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.