The role of assembly signals in the self-assembly of linear viruses
Summary
Linear artificial viruses (AVs) can be formed through a self-assembly process which is strongly
influenced by assembly signals on their genetic material. In this thesis the description of self-assembly
with multiple assembly signals and variable nucleation cost is assessed. It shows that a combination
of the two determines in which regime the self-assembly is. An assembly signal, position entropy
and nucleation entropy dominated regime can be distinguished. Furthermore, in the zipper regime an
account is given of the assembly kinetics with finite as opposed to infinite protein concentration. Finite
concentration gives rise to overshoots and undershoots. Finally, for a self-competing assembly system
a universal curve is given which can be a valuable tool in determining the strength of an assembly
signal from two measurements.