From single step hops to emergent biological phenomena

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Electron transfer is crucial in biological and chemical processes.
• Research has historically focused on single-electron, one-step transfers.
• Complex multi-electron and multi-step transfers are increasingly studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in electron transfer beyond the one-electron/one-step paradigm.
• To highlight studies on electron bifurcation, long-range transport, and nucleic acid charge transport.
• To discuss emerging themes in biological charge transfer.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and theoretical studies from the authors' group.
• Analysis of electron transfer mechanisms in diverse biological systems.
• Investigation of charge transport in cable bacteria, bacterial nanowires, and nucleic acids.

Main Results:

• Progress in understanding electron bifurcation reactions.
• Demonstration of ultra-long range hopping transport in microbial systems.
• Insights into charge transport pathways and oxidative damage in nucleic acids.
• Identification of electron-electron correlations and unconventional pathways.

Conclusions:

• Biological systems exhibit complex, multi-step, and long-range electron transfer mechanisms.
• Emerging themes include electron-electron correlations and competing charge transfer pathways.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex biological charge transfer processes.