Application of Spin Labels To Membrane Bioenergetics

Abstract

Following a brief overview of photosynthesis and the macro structure of chloroplasts, examples are presented of the use of nitroxyl spin labels and spin probes to investigate the processes of electron transport, proton transport, and oxygen transfer in chloroplasts. pH-sensitive nitroxyl radicals can be observed inside and outside thylakoids under various conditions, such as different levels of light. Oxygen consumption can be measured via the effect of oxygen on line width of the free radical. Lipid-soluble spin probes monitor changes in the biological membranes.