Sumit Datt Majumder

Abstract Nature uses bottom-up self-assembly to build structures with remarkable complexity and functionality. Understanding how molecular-scale interactions translate to macroscopic properties remains a major challenge and requires systems that effectively bridge these two scales. Here, we generate DNA and RNA liquids with exquisite programmability in their material properties. Nucleic acids are negatively charged, and in the presence of polycations, they may condense to a liquid-like state.

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Cells constantly experience osmotic variation. These external changes lead to changes in cell volume and, consequently, the internal state of molecular crowding. Jalihal and Pitchiaya et al. show that multimeric proteins respond rapidly to such cellular changes by undergoing fast and reversible phase separation.