1. The figure below was scanned from an article by Burton and Brant (Biopolymers, 22, 1769-92 (1983)). It
represents a computer simulation of a polysaccharide. The scales are marked in Angstroms. Assuming this
particular conformation to be “average,” estimate the persistence length of the chain being simulated.
The necessary equation is in the Virtual Book’s chapter on polymer dimensions. You may need some string,
or at least a ruler.
Grading Rubric:
Identification of contour length, L, and end-to-end length: 3 pts
Solution to get persistence length 7 pts.