Large Linear Systems of Binding Sites

Abstract

In this section we introduce the matrix method to rewrite the GPF of a linear system of m sites in a more convenient form. This is both an elegant and a powerful method for studying such systems. We start by presenting the so-called Ising model for the simplest system. We assume that each unit can be in one of two occupational states: empty or occupied. Also, we assume only nearest-neighbor (nn) interactions.* Both of these assumptions may be removed. In subsequent sections and in Chapter 8 we shall discuss four and eight states for each subunit. We shall not discuss the extension of the theory with respect to interactions beyond the nn. Such an extension is used, for example, in the theory of helix-coil transition.