ON THEORY OF SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF MACROMOLECULES IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE

The radial distribution function characterizing the spatial organization of the long fibrils of connective tissue is obtained by mathematical analysis of molecular models. The models are based on the assumption that polymeric chains form bridges between the fibrils, thereby providing the long range interactions responsible for the quasi-ordered spatial disposition of the fibrils. The theory is applied to rabbit cornea for which an empirical radial distribution has been obtained previously by analysis of electron micrographs. General agreement is found between theory and experiment for parameter values that are thought to be representative of stroma. The analysis constitutes a step toward the development of the physical basis of the ultrastructure of connective tissue and the way in which that structure affects physiological behavior. © 1968 N. Rashevsky.