Electron Lets Molecules Shine Individually On Camera
Fluorescent molecule when it wins or loses an electron. Scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory zoomed in on single molecules acting as supermodels for a kind of chemical reaction in which electrons get handed off to other players.
A single fluorescent molecule flashing as it gains or loses its electron has made the microscopic spotlight.
. A combination of two techniques allowed the researchers to load or empty fluorescent dye with electrons, then watch for individual flashes of light as molecules gained and lost their parcels. The researchers hope this method will let them better understand so-called electron transfer reactions.
Electron transfer reactions are central to processes that capture the sun's energy via photosynthesis or that allow cells to generate the energy needed to sustain life. Engineers and chemists studying renewable energy want to reverse-engineer photosynthesis and similar processes to create hydrogen and other biofuels. These reactions rely on electrons jumping from one molecule to another: passing the electrons along releases their chemical energy so it can be applied to something practical, such as making sugar in plants.
"If we could understand these electron transfer reactions better," said PNNL project lead Eric Ackerman, "then we could better design the proteins that generate energy."
Full article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925094759.htmElectron transfer reactions are central to processes that capture the sun's energy via photosynthesis or that allow cells to generate the energy needed to sustain life. Engineers and chemists studying renewable energy want to reverse-engineer photosynthesis and similar processes to create hydrogen and other biofuels. These reactions rely on electrons jumping from one molecule to another: passing the electrons along releases their chemical energy so it can be applied to something practical, such as making sugar in plants.
"If we could understand these electron transfer reactions better," said PNNL project lead Eric Ackerman, "then we could better design the proteins that generate energy."
Source: sciencedaily.com
Credit image: Courtesy of DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory