McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University News
from McCormick New Geometries: Researchers Create New Shapes of
Artificial Microcompartments As in nature, various shapes could
be more efficient for specific functions In nature, biological
functions are often carried out in tiny protective shells known
as microcompartments, structures that provide home to enzymes
that convert carbon dioxide into energy in plant cells and to
viruses that replicate once they enter the cell. Most of these
shells buckle into an icosahedron shape, forming 20 sides that
allow for high interface with their surroundings. But some
shells — such as those found in the single-celled Archaea or
simple, salt-loving organisms called halophiles —break into
triangles, squares, or non-symmetrical geometries. While these
alternate geometries may seem simple, they can be incredibly
useful in biology, where low symmetry can translate to higher
functionality. Researchers at Northwestern University have
recently developed a method to r