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Published on: September 17, 2017
Raman tensors and their application in structural studies of biological systems
Masamichi Tsuboi1, James M Benevides, George J Thomas
1University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. tsuboima@iwakimu.ac.jp
Summary
This study reviews Raman tensors for 39 vibrational bands in biological molecules. These tensors aid in understanding the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Raman scattering arises from molecular electron-light interactions, described by a Raman tensor.
- Each Raman-active molecular vibrational mode has a unique Raman tensor.
- Raman tensors have been determined for numerous vibrational bands of biological macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Raman tensors for 39 representative vibrational Raman bands of biological molecules.
- To detail the methods used for determining these Raman tensors.
- To discuss the application of Raman tensors in structural studies of various biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Determination of Raman tensors for specific vibrational modes.
- Analysis of Raman scattering data from biological samples.
- Application of tensor data in structural elucidation.
Main Results:
- Compilation and review of Raman tensors for 39 key vibrational bands in biomolecules.
- Detailed methodologies for Raman tensor determination are presented.
- Demonstrated utility of Raman tensors in structural investigations.
Conclusions:
- Raman tensors provide valuable insights into the structure of biological macromolecules.
- The reviewed Raman tensors are applicable to diverse biological structures, including viruses, feathers, and protist eyespots.
- This work highlights the importance of Raman tensor analysis in structural biology.
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