Electron Spin Echo Methods in Photosynthesis Research

Abstract

Electron spin echo methods allow photosynthesis researchers to probe the local structure of paramagnetic transition metal and organic radical centers. In particular the electron spin echo methods of electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) and electron spin echo — electron nuclear double resonance (ESE-ENDOR) are used to measure nuclear spin transitions of magnetic nuclei of, and in the vicinity of, paramagnetic species. The resulting magnetic hyperfine and electric quadrupolar parameters can be interpreted to give insights into the structure of a complex andits interaction with the neighboring protein matrix and molecules bound as substrates or inhibitors.