Biological structure probe with

Most of the present uses of the scanning tunneling microscope involve studies of surface chemistry. Processes such as the deposition of monomolecular layers on smooth surfaces can be studied, the nature of industrial catalysts can be probed, and metal corrosion can be examined. The possibility also exists that complex biological structures can be determined with the STM. 

Early on, x-rays were used for structure determination, and Bragg, father and son, are justly regarded as portal figures in this basic research application of the mysterious rays. The development of this and other analytical methods based on x-ray techniques has had a pronounced impact on modern biology. This chapter will briefly outline the history of x-ray absorption in biological research and then concentrate on the application of micro probes with special reference to the proton probe in experimental dermatology. References to results from other techniques will, however, be included. 

The most dramatic advances, without doubt, have been in protein biochemistry. The genetic basis of lipoprotein disorders is being probed with the tools of molecular biology, proteins concerned with lipoprotein metabolism are being characterized with structural and physiological studies, lipoprotein receptors are being fully characterized, and competitive inhibitors of the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis, HMG-CoA reductase, have been produced. 

Abstract Nucleic acids were one of the first biological targets explored with DCC, and research into the application has continued to yield novel and useful structures for sequence- and structure-selective recognition of oligonucleotides. This chapter reviews major developments in DNA- and RNA-targeted DCC, including methods under development for the conversion of DCC-derived lead compounds into probe molecules suitable for studies in vitro and in vivo. Innovative applications of DCC for the discovery of new materials based on nucleic acids and new methods for the modification of nucleic acid structure and function are also discussed. 

Electroactive dendrimers are defined as those that contain functional groups capable of undergoing fast electron transfer reactions [85], The combination of specific electron transfer properties of redox active probes with the unique structural properties of dendrimers offers attractive prospects of their exploitation in electrocatalytic processes of biological and industrial importance [86], Further, the interest in dendrimers containing electroactive units also relies on the fact that electrochemistry is a powerful technique to elucidate the structure and purity of dendrimers, to evaluate the degree of electronic interaction of their chemically and/or topologically equivalent or non- equivalent moieties, and also to study their endo- and exo-receptor capabilities [87],... 

Now we may examine in detail the interaction of one class of metal complexes with nucleic acids, how these complexes bind to polynucleotides, the techniques used to explore these binding interactions, and various applications of the complexes to probe biological structure and function. Tris(phenanthroline) metal complexes represent quite simple, well-defined examples of coordination complexes that associate with nucleic acids. Their examination should offer a useful illustration of the range of binding modes, reactivity, techniques for study, and applications that are currently being exploited and explored. In addition, we may contrast these interactions with those of other transition-metal complexes, both derivatives of the tris(phenanthroline) family and also some complexes that differ substantially in structure or reactivity. 

TEMPO is widely used as a radical trap, as a structural probe for biological systems in conjunction with EPR spectroscopy, as a reagent in organic synthesis, and as a mediator in controlled free radical polymerisation. As well as alcohol oxidation, TEMPO also finds use in the oxidation of other functional groups, including amines, phosphines, phenols, anilines, sulfides and organometallic compounds [144]. 

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