Oxygen detection in biological systems

This article presents a brief description of analytical tools for monitoring evolution and consumption of molecular dioxygen in biological organisms. Based on its nature as a gas and its physical and chemical properties of the ground state ³Σ(g)O₂; different approaches have been developed for quantitative determinations: (i) manometry, (ii) formation of titratable sediments, (iii) solid state electrodes, (iv) EPR oximetry, (v) luminescence quenching, (vi) biological sensoring, (vii) mass spectrometry and (viii) amperometry. Among these methods mass spectrometry and amperometry are of special relevance for studies on the mechanisms of photosynthetic dioxygen evolution. Mass spectrometry is described in the article of Beckman et al. in this special issue. Therefore, the major part of this contribution focuses on amperometric methods that are currently widely used. Two different types of electrodes are described: (i) Clark-type electrode and (ii) Joliot-type electrode. The complementary advantages of both systems are outlined. A more detailed description comprises the potential of the Joliot-type electrode for mechanistic studies on the reactivity of the different redox states of the water oxidizing complex (WOC).