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Related Concept Videos

IR Spectrometers01:25

IR Spectrometers

There are two main infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: dispersive IR spectrometers and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In a dispersive IR spectrometer, a beam of infrared radiation produced by a hot wire is divided into two parallel equal-intensity beams using mirrors. One beam passes through the sample, while another is a reference beam. The beams then move through the monochromator, which separates the radiations into a continuous spectrum of different frequencies. The...
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview01:09

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview

When electromagnetic radiation passes through a material, atoms or molecules transition from a lower to a higher energy state by absorbing radiation corresponding to the energy difference between the two states. The absorption of infrared (IR) radiation causes transitions between vibrational energy levels in a molecule. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for determining the molecular structure of molecules.
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
IR Frequency Region: Fingerprint Region01:03

IR Frequency Region: Fingerprint Region

IR spectra are divided into two main regions: the diagnostic region and the fingerprint region. The diagnostic region of the spectrum lies above 1500 cm−1. The absorptions resulting from single-bond vibrations of the N–H, C–H, and O–H stretch at higher wavenumbers and appear on the left side of the spectrum. The stretching absorptions of the C≡C and C≡N occur between 2100–2300 cm−1. In contrast, those arising from stretching absorptions of the C=O, C=N, and C=C occur between 1600–1850 cm−1.
The...
IR Spectrum01:19

IR Spectrum

When infrared (IR) radiation passes through a molecule, the bonds stretch or bend by absorbing the radiation. This absorption creates the molecule's absorption spectrum, which is the plot of its percentage transmittance versus wavenumber.
Transmittance is defined as the ratio of the radiant power passing through a sample to that from the radiation's source. Multiplying the transmittance by 100 gives the percent transmittance (%T), which varies between 100% (no absorption) and 0% (complete...
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview01:24

IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview

When Infrared (IR) radiation passes through a covalently bonded molecule, the bonds transition from lower to higher vibrational levels. The fundamental vibrational motions that result in infrared absorption can be classified as stretching or bending vibrations.
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...
IR Frequency Region: X–H Stretching01:24

IR Frequency Region: X–H Stretching

In IR spectroscopy, signals produced by the X−H bonds (such as C−H, O−H, or N−H) can be observed in the frequency range of  2700–4000 cm–1. The C−H stretching vibration forms sharp bands in the region 2850–3000 cm–1. The presence of the O−H stretching vibration leads to the forming of an absorption band in the frequency range 3650–3200 cm−1. At the same time, N−H stretching can be confirmed by absorption bands in the 3500–3100 cm−1 range. Even though both O−H and N−H bonds vibrate at a similar...

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High-definition Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Imaging of Human Tissue Sections towards Improving Pathology
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High-definition Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Imaging of Human Tissue Sections towards Improving Pathology

Published on: January 21, 2015

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Catherine Berthomieu1, Rainer Hienerwadel

  • 1Commissariat à l' Energie Atomique, Laboratoire des Interactions Protéine Métal, DSV/Institut de Biologie Environnementale et Biotechnologie, CNRS-CEA-Université Aix-Marseille II, Saint Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France. catherine.berthomieu@cea.fr

Photosynthesis Research
|June 11, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyzes molecular vibrations to detect subtle structural changes in amino acids and cofactors. This review details FTIR methods for studying photosystems, revealing crucial structural and functional insights.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is sensitive to molecular vibrations, reflecting structural changes in biomolecules.
  • Its broad applicability allows probing amino acids, cofactors, and water, but specificity can be a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamentals of FTIR spectroscopy.
  • To highlight its application in extracting structural and functional information from photosystems.
  • To discuss strategies for spectral interpretation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing FTIR spectroscopy to analyze vibrational properties of biological molecules.
  • Employing reaction-induced FTIR difference spectroscopy to isolate specific chemical group vibrations.
  • Integrating isotope labeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and hydrogen/deuterium exchange for residue identification.
  • Leveraging theoretical chemistry and normal mode calculations for spectral interpretation.

Main Results:

  • FTIR spectroscopy provides direct vibrational information from various biomolecular components.
  • Reaction-induced FTIR difference spectroscopy enhances specificity for studying reaction mechanisms.
  • Combined methods enable detailed interpretation of IR frequencies related to specific structural features.

Conclusions:

  • FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating structural and functional aspects of photosystems.
  • The integration of various techniques and computational methods enhances the interpretation of complex spectral data.
  • This approach yields significant insights into the molecular mechanisms within photosystems.