Simulations of Biomolecules in Electrolyte Solutions

Biomolecules including proteins, lipid membranes, and nucleic acids operate at an aqueous milieu that includes solvated ions. The interactions with ions affect biomolecules in different ways depending on the nature of the solute and the type of the ions. The dynamic nature of small soluble ions makes it difficult to follow them by structural methods. Consequently, theories were developed to explain how biomolecules interact in an environment that includes electrolytes. Moreover, simulations studies are often used to study such systems at the molecular or atomistic level. The status of the field, and in particular of simulation studies, is the subject of this progress report.