Investigation of magnetic field effects on protein photochemistry using cavity enhanced spectroscopy

Thesis

Some animals, such as migratory birds, are known to have the ability to sense and use magnetic fields for orientation. At the heart of this remarkable ability is believed to be a photoinduced chemical reaction taking place within a blue-light receptor protein called cryptochrome (Cry). It is hypothesised that magnetic fields can play a decisive role in determining reaction rates (and, hence, yields) by acting on the spin states of spin correlated radical pairs (RPs) formed between a flavin...

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Authors: Zollitsch, T

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Maquette; Cryptochrome; Radical Pair Mechanism; Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy; Magnetoreception