Spectroscopic Investigation of Proteins

Protein folding is one of the most fundamental
problems of the 21st century. Studies of protein
folding provide a better understanding of molecular
processes underlying disease which in turn helps in
better drug design. These studies are complicated by
the fact that the system presents innumerable
degrees of freedom. The interaction of the peptide
geometry determines the conformation of the peptide.
The thermodynamic factors that drive high entropy
(unfolded state) or low entropy (native state) of
the system have to be understood in order to better
understand the folding process. This work describes
some of these factors and how they affect the
folding process.
This work presents both classical and quantum
theories that explain the behavior of a molecule
when perturbed by an electromagnetic radiation. It
goes a head to show data from experiments
demonstrating the feasibility of UV resonance Raman
spectroscopy for the study of proteins.

Autorentext
This work is intended to understanding on a molecular level, the dynamics of proteins in our bodies which may lead to a better approach on disease prevention and cure. UV resonance Raman has proven to be an excellent technique for this study, thanks to Prof. Sanford A. Asher and University of Pittsburgh for sponsoring my work in this area.

Klappentext
Protein folding is one of the most fundamental problems of the 21st century. Studies of protein folding provide a better understanding of molecular processes underlying disease which in turn helps in better drug design. These studies are complicated by the fact that the system presents innumerable degrees of freedom. The interaction of the peptide geometry determines the conformation of the peptide. The thermodynamic factors that drive high entropy (unfolded state) or low entropy (native state) of the system have to be understood in order to better understand the folding process. This work describes some of these factors and how they affect the folding process. This work presents both classical and quantum theories that explain the behavior of a molecule when perturbed by an electromagnetic radiation. It goes a head to show data from experiments demonstrating the feasibility of UV resonance Raman spectroscopy for the study of proteins.