Mössbauer spectroscopy of iron-ovotransferrin: a crystal field interpretation

Mössbauer spectra from frozen solutions of ovotransferrin were recorded in a variety of applied external magnetic fields and at various temperatures in a small applied field. The results were fitted to a simple model for the electronic structure at the iron site. This model requires admixtures of the free ion 6S and 4P states, indicating a weak cubic crystal field. Possible implications of this model regarding the binding site are discussed.