ORGN 291 |
| Electrons can migrate through biopolymers like DNA and peptides over long distances. These processes occur in a multistep hopping mechanism, where DNA bases or aromatic and heterocyclic side chains of amino acids are relay stations for the electron transport. Nature uses these processes in chemical reactions over long distances. For example, an excess electron can migrate through DNA and repairs several DNA photolesions (see picture). Thus, the electron acts as a catalyst for cycloreversions (cleavage of cyclobutanes in T-dimers). In the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase long distance electron transport through aromatic side chains of amino acids is triggered by a ribonucleotide that is reduced to the deoxyribonucleotide in a radical reaction. In the enzyme the site of radical generation and radical reaction is separated by 3.5 nm.
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Tetrahedron Prize for Creativity in Organic Chemistry
1:00 PM-5:02 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 134, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |
