Identification: GS10
Identification: GS-SWAI-4
Nucleation is the seminal process in the formation of ordered structures ranging from simple inorganic crystals to macromolecular matrices. Observations over the past 15 years have revealed a rich set of hierarchical nucleation pathways involving higher-order species ranging from multi-ion clusters to dense liquid droplets, as well as transient crystalline or amorphous phases. Despite this complexity, a holistic framework for understanding these hierarchical pathways that is rooted in classical concepts emerges when the coupled effects of perturbations in free energy landscapes and the impact of dynamical factors are considered. Here I describe that framework and use a series of in situ TEM and AFM studies on inorganic, organic, and macromolecular systems to illustrate the evolution in nucleation processes as these perturbations and dynamical factors come into play. The results provide a common basis for understanding the development of order in systems as diverse as simple salt crystals and microbial membranes.