Abstract
A quantitative function equivalent to the molecular surface proposed by Richards is defined by the closest approach of solvent spheres to a macromolecule. The function can be used to visualize surface topography, polartiy and charge either as a 3-dimensional net or by mapping onto a plane, to calculate surface areas and to demarcate complementary sites in contacts between subunits. Applications to shape-specific recognition in protein structure and aggregation are discussed.

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