Moduli spaces and macromolecules (Q2797789)

In this paper, the author describes the use of the abstract notion of moduli spaces to determine protein and RNA geometry. Following the introduction of the theoretical aspects involving moduli spaces, including a description of Riemann moduli spaces and the link with graphs (fat graphs in particular), the author proceeds with the exemplification of links which can be drawn between these concepts and protein structures. The structures of \(\mathrm{SO}_3\), sugar and RNA are discussed in detail. The applicability of these approaches for determining RNA secondary structure (and RNA folding) is presented next. The paper concludes with further remarks on the particularities of RNA structure and an appendix detailing the matrix models used throughout.