CDspektroskopii

CDspektroskopii, or Circular Dichroism spectroscopy, is an optical spectroscopy technique that measures the differential absorption of left- and right-circularly polarized light by chiral molecules. When a chiral molecule interacts with circularly polarized light, it absorbs one form of polarization more strongly than the other. CD spectroscopy quantifies this difference, which is typically expressed as an absorbance difference (ΔA). This technique is highly sensitive to the three-dimensional structure of molecules, making it particularly useful in studying biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Changes in the secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure of proteins, for instance, can lead to distinct changes in their CD spectra, allowing researchers to monitor folding, denaturation, and molecular interactions. Similarly, CD spectroscopy can provide information about the conformation of DNA and RNA. The technique relies on the inherent chirality of these molecules. It is performed using a spectropolarimeter, which can generate and measure circularly polarized light across a range of wavelengths, often in the ultraviolet (UV) or visible regions of the spectrum. CD spectra are typically plotted as ΔA versus wavelength, with characteristic bands appearing at wavelengths where the chromophores within the molecule absorb light. By analyzing the shape, intensity, and position of these bands, valuable structural information can be deduced.