Continuous model for homopolymers

We consider the model for the distribution of a long homopolymer in a potential field. The typical shape of the polymer depends on the temperature parameter. We show that at a critical value of the temperature the transition occurs from a globular to an extended phase. For various values of the temperature, including those at or near the critical value, we consider the limiting behavior of the polymer when its size tends to infinity. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.