Application of pulse radiolysis methods to study the reactions and structure of biomolecules

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
To study reactions occurring on timescales faster than approximately 10-4-10-3 s, simple mixing of reagents is too slow and other methods of initiating reactions have to be used. Pulse radiolysis is a recent method of initiating fast reactions, and this review emphasises the versatility of this technique for studying events occurring between 10-11 and 102 s after energy absorption. The extent and timescale of radiation damage in dilute aqueous solutions are outlined and the facile manipulation of experimental conditions to isolate a single reactive species is illustrated. The basic requirements for the radiation pulse and detection system are discussed. The experimental techniques which have been used to monitor fast reactions following pulse radiolysis include optical absorption spectroscopy and light scattering, and time-resolved electrical conductivity, polarography, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Some applications of pulse radiolysis to study fast reactions of biologically important molecules are illustrated, including the kinetics and thermodynamics of redox processes and electron-transfer reactions, enzymic processes and structural effects which are revealed by physical or kinetic properties.

This publication has 166 references indexed in Scilit: