We review a general regularity observed in the spontaneous formation of alternating-sign L—D hierarchies of chiral structures that are initially unbalanced due to homochirality. Mechanical, hydrodynamic, macromolecular, and liquid-crystal systems, as well as proteins and nucleic acids, are considered. Biomacromolecule chirality is related to the presence of the asymmetric carbon atom and, further, to the formation of helical and superhelical intra- and supramolecular structures. Chirality is a physical vehicle that generates stratification and folding in biological macromolecular systems. The hierarchy of alternating-sign chiral structures underlies a periodic molecular biologic cell system.

Keywords: chirality, nucleic acids, proteins, hierarchy of structures, folding, molecular machines PACS: 87.14.G−, 87.15.−v, 87.18.−h (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2018.08.038401 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2019/4/c/ 000472874200003 2-s2.0-85072316118 2019PhyU...62..354T Citation: Tverdislov V A, Malyshko E V "On regularities in the spontaneous formation of structural hierarchies in chiral systems of nonliving and living matter" Phys. Usp. 62 354–363 (2019) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 13th, February 2018, revised: 21st, July 2018, accepted: 1st, August 2018 Оригинал: Твердислов В А, Малышко Е В «О закономерностях спонтанного формирования структурных иерархий в хиральных системах неживой и живой природы» УФН 189 375–385 (2019); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2018.08.038401