Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Analyzing the Synaptic Ultrastructure in Mature Retinal Organoids Using TEM
Published on: June 7, 2024
Spin-dependent electron transmission through bacteriorhodopsin embedded in purple membrane
Debabrata Mishra1, Tal Z Markus, Ron Naaman
1Departments of Chemical Physics and Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Abstract:
Spin-dependent photoelectron transmission and spin-dependent electrochemical studies were conducted on purple membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin (bR) deposited on gold, aluminum/aluminum-oxide, and nickel substrates. The result indicates spin selectivity in electron transmission through the membrane. Although the chiral bR occupies only about 10% of the volume of the membrane, the spin polarization found is on the order of 15%. The electrochemical studies indicate a strong dependence of the conduction on the protein's structure. Denaturation of the protein causes a sharp drop in the conduction through the membrane.
Related Concept Videos
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Electron Transport Chains
The ETC is comprised of...
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must...
Electron Carriers
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...

