The role of form in molecular biology

The goal of this talk is to unravel the ontological consequences of structural biology research programs, as well as explicit discussions concerning the nature of biological macromolecules, in order to evaluate whether they really fit with the common view of molecular biology. I will first analyze the definition of molecular form based on a variety of structural analysis techniques. Second, I will deal with the problem of the constitution of molecular form, i.e., the relationship between biomolecular wholes and parts. Third, I will explore the problem of the generation of macromolecular form, both in folding and in evolution. Finally, I will consider the many ways in which form relates to function in the molecular realm.