Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
C-C bond formation and cleavage in radical enzymes, a theoretical perspective
1Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Royal Institute of Technology, ALBANOVA, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. himo@theochem.kth.se
Abstract:
Quantum chemical methods are today a viable tool in the study of enzyme catalysis. The development of new density functional techniques and the enormous advancement in computer power have made it possible to accurately describe active sites of enzymes. This review gives a brief account of the methods and models used in this field. Three specific enzymes are discussed: pyruvate-formate lyase (PFL), spore photoproduct lyase (SPL), and benzylsuccinate synthase (BSS). What these enzymes have in common is that they use radical chemistry to catalyze C-C bond formation or cleavage reactions.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Formation: Overview
Radicals from spin-paired molecules:
Radicals can be obtained from spin-paired molecules either by homolysis or electron transfer. While two radicals are formed in the former, an electron is added in the latter, also known...
Radical Formation: Homolysis
Radical Formation: Addition
Similar to charge conservation in chemical reactions, spin conservation is implicit for radical reactions. Accordingly, the product formed must possess an unpaired...
Radical Formation: Elimination
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Reactivity: Steric Effects
Along with electronic factors, steric factors also account...

