Virus range from four proteins (themselves 'large' molecules) (10^6 Dalton) to more than a hundred proteins (10^8 Dalton). That they are arguably alive, even the smallest, makes them very much more than merely large molecules.0xDEADBEEF said:Molecules are already more problematic since some viruses are not much more then very large molecules.
0xDEADBEEF said:But quarks have nothing to do with it. They just supply the atoms.
Particles are tiny pieces of matter that can be either solid, liquid, or gas. They can interact with biological cells in various ways, such as binding to cell surface receptors, penetrating the cell membrane, or being engulfed by the cell through endocytosis. The interaction between particles and cells is important for various biological processes, including cell signaling, nutrient uptake, and immune response.
The size range of particles that can interact with biological cells is quite broad, ranging from nanometers (10^-9 meters) to micrometers (10^-6 meters). This includes nanoparticles, which are commonly used in biomedical research and applications due to their small size and unique properties.
Particles can be engineered to carry drugs or genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, to target specific cells and tissues in the body. This can be achieved by attaching specific ligands or antibodies to the surface of the particle, which can bind to receptors on the target cell and facilitate the delivery of the cargo. Alternatively, particles can be designed to release their cargo in response to certain stimuli, such as changes in pH or temperature, allowing for controlled and targeted drug delivery.
While particles can be beneficial for delivering drugs or genetic material, they can also potentially cause harm to biological cells. Some particles, particularly those with sharp edges or toxic components, can damage the cell membrane and disrupt cellular functions. Additionally, particles can accumulate in certain tissues and organs, leading to potential long-term health effects. Therefore, careful consideration and regulation of particle use is necessary to ensure their safety.
There are various techniques used to study the interaction between particles and biological cells, including microscopy, flow cytometry, and spectroscopy. These techniques allow scientists to visualize and analyze how particles are taken up by cells, how they affect cellular processes, and how cells respond to their presence. Additionally, advanced imaging techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy, have enabled researchers to study these interactions at the nanoscale level.