Protein Interactions In Solution Research Articles

Light Scattering in Protein Solutions

Publisher Summary Light scattering helps in the determination of size, weight, and activity coefficient of macromolecules in solution by making relatively simple optical measurements. The method is both supplementary and complementary to other physical methods, which are used for exploring the properties of macromolecules and therefore offers both a means of measuring constants and providing completely new information. One of the significant aspects of light scattering methods lies in the speed with which the necessary observations can be made. This chapter focuses on the application of the light scattering method to the characterization and interaction of proteins in solution. It briefly describes other macromolecular systems, particularly polymer solutions and dispersions of spherical particles. The chapter also summarizes two-component and multicomponent systems that provide the basis for the molecular weight determination of proteins under favorable conditions. Furthermore, the chapter deals with the unusual behavior of solutions of highly charged proteins at low ionic strength and with preliminary investigations of rates of macromolecular reactions. The chapter concludes with the description of experimental methods.