Spectroelectrochemical studies of horse cytochrome c.

摘要

The purpose of this research has been to combine prevailing organothiol modified electrode electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemical techniques to provide additional tools for the study of cytochrome c electron transfer. This has been accomplished by developing an instrument for conducting volt-electroreflectommetry (VER) experiments, which are commonly referred to by the name electroreflectance. The development of this instrument is covered in detail, including the progression of the evolution of the spectroelectrochemical interface. Data is presented and analyzed with an eye toward validating VER techniques for use in determining kinetic parameters by making direct comparisons to more conventional techniques like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Plans for further improvement of the instrument are delineated which include upgrades along two paths for the instrument hardware, suggestions for better software, and a revision of the spectroelectrochemical cell to make it easier to use. Preliminary data on the kinetics of guanidine-denatured cytochrome c are also presented and suggestions for further work in this area are made.