Transition metal centers, in proteins

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and the Structures of Transition Metal Centers in Proteins... 

X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY AND THE STRUCTURES OF TRANSITION METAL CENTERS IN PROTEINS... 

Since 1975, when the first experiment using a synchrotron radiation source was accomplished (5), XAS has become established as an important technique for probing the environment of transition metals in proteins. Numerous studies have been accomplished and many significant advances made. The majority of these have been identified and collated in several excellent reviews (6-13), to which readers are referred. This article will provide a qualitative description of the theoretical basis of the technique and outline important experimental considerations, before presenting selected examples of the application of XAS to characterize transition metal centers in proteins. 

In this review there has been an attempt to present a balanced view of the contributions made by X-ray absorption spectroscopy to the characterization of transition metal centers in proteins. No attempt has been made to be comprehensive and apologies are due to those whose work has been omitted, often on a quite arbitrary basis. 

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