Spin-dependent electron transmission through bacteriorhodopsin embedded in purple membrane.

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.

SUBMITTER: Mishra D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3773807 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature