Proteins and enzymes play a key role in all biological systems. Understanding the mechanism of biological functions and reactions in which proteins and enzymes are involved requires a detailed... Show moreProteins and enzymes play a key role in all biological systems. Understanding the mechanism of biological functions and reactions in which proteins and enzymes are involved requires a detailed characterization of protein structure and dynamics. Structure refers to geometrical structure, as a result of the local arrangement of amino-acid side chains, and electronic structure, in particular at the active site of proteins and enzymes. Dynamics refers to structural changes that proteins undergo to perform their function. The work reported in this thesis concerns both methodological developments and the application of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to study protein structure and dynamics. To this end, both continuous wave (cw) and pulsed microwave excitation have been applied. In the research described in this thesis transition-metal ions, such as Cu(II) and Fe(III), and nitroxide spin labels have been used as paramagnetic probes. Show less
