Raman spectra of L-alanine oligomers

The Raman spectra have been obtained of di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-L -alanine in the solid state. Raman spectra of the dimer and trimer in aqueous solution are also reported. The oligomers of alanine exist as zwitterions in the solid state and aqueous solution. Spectral differences between the dipeptide, and other oligomers arise primarily from the conformationally sensitive amide modes. The dipeptide exists as a nonplanar structure in the solid state and the other oligomere as β conformations. Comparison of Raman spectra of tri-L -alanine in the solid state and in aqueous solution suggests a conformational change to a random coil upon dissolution.     

Raman spectra of poly-L-lysines

The Raman spectra of poly-L -lysine hydrochloride and poly-?-carbobenzoxy-L -lysine in the solid state have been obtained and are consistent with the presence of an α-helical structure. The Raman spectrum of poly-L -lysine in aqueous solution suggests the presence of random coil structures.     

Raman spectral studies of nucleic acids. XI. Conformations of yeast tRNAPhe and E. coli ribosomal RNA in aqueous solution and in the solid state

Laser-excited Raman spectra of tRNA^Phe from yeast and of fractionated 16S and 23S rRNA from E. coli are reported for samples in aqueous solution and in the solid state. The Raman scattering spectrum of each RNA is not significantly altered by the change from an aqueous to a solid environment and displays the same characteristic frequencies and intensities associated with ordered polyribonucleotide structures. Unlike DNA, the backbone conformation of RNA thus appears to be largely insensitive to gross changes in the degree of hydration. Raman scattering from the phosphate group vibrations of aqueous tRNA_yeast^Phe is qualitatively and quantitatively the same as obtained from previously studied tRNA's and is indicative of a highly ordered conformational structure in which some 85% of the nucleotide residues are in ordered configurations. The major differences observed between spectra of tRNA and rRNA are attributed to differences in base composition of these RNA's.     

Laser Raman spectroscopy of acid phosphatase from rat liver

The Raman spectra of isoenzyme I and II in aqueous solution and in solid state are reported. The results reveal differences between these isoenzymes. These tertiary structures vary depending on whether the isoenzymes are solid or dissolved in H₂O or D₂O.     

Comparative IR study of solid hydrate decavanadates and polyvanadates in acidic aqueous solution

An attempt has been made to compare i.r. spectra of polyvanadate solutions with those of solid polyvanadates, in order to solve the problem if aqueous solution decavanadate species have the same structure as reported in solid hydrate decavanadates, and if hexavanadate species are coexisting with them.The i.r. spectra directly obtained from water solutions were unreliable; so, solution species have been extracted into a low absorbing organic phase. A previous control showed that no modifications of existing species were occurring for the phase transfer. In this way, evidence resulted for a complete identity between aqueous solution and solid decavanadate structure, and for a lack of hexavanadate species, at least within the sensitivity limits of the i.r. technique.These findings are in agreement with a recent Raman investigation, but appear in contrast with NMR and complexation data. A new interpretation of NMR data is suggested, leading to the removal of disagreement.     

Rotational isomerism of N-acetylamino acid methylamides having serine,tyrosine, histidine,and proline residues as revealed by Raman spectroscopy

Rotational isomerism of N-acetylamino acid methylamides having serine, tyrosine, histidine, and proline residues was investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of each compound for solid states (crystalline or glassy) as well as for aqueous solution were compared with each other. Different kinds of rotational isomers were found to exist in the different solid states; three such solid states for N-acetylserine methylamide, two for N-acetyltyrosine methylamide, and one for N-acetylhistidine methylamide were found in the present investigation. Additional rotational isomers were found to exist in aqueous solutions. The results indicated that the inherent relative stability of the rotational isomers differs little and is very dependent on intermolecular interaction, especially that due to hydrogen bonds. The possible molecular conformations are discussed on the basis of x-ray results now available both for the present compounds and for proteins.     

Evidence of dithionite contribution to the low-frequency resonance Raman spectrum of reduced and mixed-valence cytochrome c oxidase.

The resonance Raman spectra of deoxygenated solutions of mixed-valence cyanide-bound and fully reduced cytochrome oxidase derivatives that have been reduced in the presence of aqueous or solid sodium dithionite exhibit two new low-frequency lines centered at 474 and 590 cm-1. These lines were not observed when the reductant system was changed to a solution containing ascorbate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). Under enzyme turnover conditions, the addition of dithionite to the reoxidized protein (the 428-nm or "oxygenated" form) increases the intensity of these lines, while reoxidation and rereduction of the enzyme in the presence of ascorbate/TMPD resulted in the absence of both lines. Our data suggest that both lines must have contributions from species formed from aqueous dithionite, presumably the SO2 species, since these two lines are also observed in the Raman spectrum of a solution of aqueous dithionite, but not in the spectrum of an ascorbate/TMPD solution. Since heme metal-ligand stretch vibrations are expected to appear in the low-frequency region from 215 to 670 cm-1, our results indicate that special care should be exercised during the interpretation of the cytochrome a3 resonance Raman spectrum.     

Raman spectra of polyglycines

The laser-excited Raman spectrum of helical polyglycine II has been obtained. Oligomers of polyglycine are in the planar zigzag conformation and their Raman spectra are indicative of the spectrum of polyglycine I. The Raman spectra of polyglycines have bands complementary to the infrared which are sensitive to the conformation of the chain. The spectra of the oligomers have bands sensitive to the length of the polyglycine. The Raman spectra of di- and triglycine in aqueous solution suggest the conformation is neither planar nor helical.     

F.T.-I.R. and laser-raman spectra of d-ribose and 2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentose (“2-deoxy-d-ribose”)

Laser-Raman spectra of d-ribose and 2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentose in aqueous solution are reported. F.t.-i.r. and Raman spectra have been obtained for crystals of these sugars. Assignments of the Raman bands observed in solution are proposed. The spectral differences between the two sugars are discussed in terms of the structural difference. The analysis of the frequencies observed permits identification of each of the sugars and their isomeric analogs, and can be used as a basis for study of nucleosides and nucleotides by vibrational spectroscopy.     

Vibrational spectroscopic approach to the study of acetylcholine and related compounds

The present review reports the coordinated application of three spectroscopic methods (Raman, infrared(IR) and inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS)) in the study of the conformation of Ach and some analogues (beta-MeAch, Mu and Nic) in solid state, aqueous solution and in interaction with a surface. Useful correlated information is obtained by Raman and IR spectroscopies on the conformational possibilities of these molecules in transition from solid state to aqueous solution. With this information in hand as well as on the basis of Raman and IR study of the nonenzymatic hydrolysis of Ach, the first detailed experimental investigation of the interaction of Ach and beta-MeAch adsorbed on a surface (A1203) is realised by the IETS method. The results are used to discuss an interaction analogous to that of Ach with receptor and another one analogous to that of Ach and AchE.     

Low-frequency Raman spectra of lysozyme.

New techniques in laser Raman spectroscopy are used to obtain spectra of aqueous solutions of lysozylme for frequency shifts as small as 5 cm^?1. In addition, Raman measurements are made on two crystalline forms of hen egg white lysozyme. The spectra obtained from the solution and from the crystal are found to be similar for frequencies above 100 cm^?1. However, a low-frequency band at 25 cm^?1 observed in crystalline lysozyme is not found in the solution, indicating that this band cannot be attributed to an internal molecular vibration.     

Conformations et spectre Raman de l'acide ribonucléique de transfert, tRNA

The structure of yeast tRNA^Asp in aqueous solution has been studied in sight of Raman spectra recorded between 5 and 82°C. A conformational change is evidenced at 20°C and an endomelting is found around 70°C. This melting temperature, much higher than in tRNA-^Phe (near 50°C) is interpreted by the presence of a higher number of G-C bases in tRNA^Asp.At a same temperature, the Raman spectrum of a tRNA^Asp crystal is quasi-identical than that of an aqueous solution, indicating a high structural similarity except bands corresponding to G,C bases which show a more effective stacking of these bases in the solid.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of hen egg yolk phosvitin: structures in solution and in the solid state

Laser Raman spectroscopy has been employed to study the structure of the hen egg yolk protein phosvitin in H2O and D2O solutions at neutral and acidic pH (pD) and in the solid state. The Raman data indicate an unusual conformation for phosvitin in neutral aqueous solution, which is deficient in both alpha-helix and conventional beta-sheet conformations. This unusual pH 7 structure is, however, largely converted to a beta-sheet conformation in strongly acidic media (pH less than 2). beta-Sheet is also the predominant secondary structure for phosvitin in the solid state, obtained by lyophilization of the protein from aqueous solution at neutral pH. The imidazolium rings of histidyl residues remain significantly protonated near neutrality, which suggests substantial elevation of the pK for imidazolium ring ionizations of phosvitin in aqueous solution. This may result from extensive ion-pair interactions involving positively charged histidines and negatively charged phosphoserines, which are prevalent in the phosvitin sequence. The present results suggest that antiparallel beta-sheets may not be the secondary structure most characteristic of native phosvitin (physiological pH), even though beta-sheet is the predominant conformation for phosvitin in acidic solutions (pH 1.5) and in the lyophilized solid. Phosvitin appears to be the first protein for which the major component to the Raman amide I band is centered near 1685 cm-1, which is 10-40 cm-1 higher than proteins heretofore examined in aqueous solution by Raman spectroscopy.     

Laser-raman spectroscopic study of carbohydrates: 1-thio-β-d-hexopyranosides

Some β-d-hexopyranosides of 1-thio-d-glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-thio-d-glucose, and 1-thio-d-galactose were examined by laser-Raman spectroscopy. An anomeric CH bending vibration was found at 891 ± 7 cm^-1 for all compounds investigated; thus, the anomers of these sugars can be differentiated by Raman spectroscopy. The N-acetyl group and carboxyl group can also be detected by Raman spectroscopy. Unlike protein samples, the carbohydrates in aqueous solution yield less useful information from Raman spectra than in the solid state; this is due to the extensive overlapping of carbohydrate OH bands with water OH bands.     

Raman spectra of the model B-DNA oligomer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 and of the DNA in living salmon sperm show that both have very similar B-type conformations

Raman spectra were obtained from aqueous solutions of the deoxyoligonucleotide d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 (I), which has been suggested as a model for B-type DNA conformation. These spectra were compared with the Raman spectra of the aqueous solutions of several DNAs of natural origin taken under identical solution conditions. Since the model sequence has a high percent GC (66%), the Raman spectrum was compared with the Raman spectrum of the DNA from Micrococcus lysodeikticus (72% GC), and the spectra of the two different DNAs were found to be rather similar in both 50 mM salt and 6 M salt solutions. Computer-aided band-shape analysis of the backbone vibrational region of the Raman spectra shows the existence of several bands corresponding to different furanose ring puckers. This appears to indicate a heterogeneity of furanose ring pucker in both the model dodecamer and the native DNA. Significant differences were found in the intensity of the conformational marker band at 810 cm-1, which indicates corresponding differences in furanose ring pucker heterogeneities in these two high GC content DNAs. The Raman spectrum of the dodecamer (I) was used to analyze the Raman spectrum of the DNA inside the head of living intact salmon sperm. Sperm spectra were taken with both our conventional Raman spectrograph and a newly developed intracavity laser Raman microscope system. Although the DNA in the sperm head is required by packing considerations to be in a highly compact and condensed state, the Raman spectra of the intact sperm are almost identical with that of the model dodecamer (I) if the difference in base composition is taken into account.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Resonance Raman spectroscopy of bilirubins: band assignments and application to bilirubin/lipid complexation

Resonance Raman spectra of bilirubins IX alpha, III alpha, and XIII alpha and mesobilirubin XIII alpha in alkaline aqueous and chloroform solutions are reported. Partial band assignments of bilirubin IX alpha are proposed. The model compounds confirm assignments of bands of the Raman spectrum of bilirubin IX alpha to each of the two different pyrromethenones. Resonance Raman spectra of mesobilirubin IV alpha, vinylneoxanthobilirubinic acid, and vinylisoneoxanthobilirubinic acid in alkaline aqueous solution and of the tetra-n-butylammonium salt of bilirubin IX alpha are used to define markers for the presence or absence of internal hydrogen bonds. Interaction of bilirubin dianion and sphingomyelin liposomes is studied. The Raman evidence suggests that in the bilirubin dianion/liposome complex the intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the propionate groups and the lactam NH/CO are ruptured. It is proposed that in the complex the bilirubin propionates form ion pairs with the quaternary ammonium ion of the choline moiety of sphingomyelin.     

Crystal and solution structures of the B-DNA dodecamer d(CGCAAATTTGCG) probed by Raman spectroscopy: heterogeneity in the crystal structure does not persist in the solution structure

The self-complementary dodecamer d(CGCAAATTTGCG) crystallizes as a double helix of the B form and manifests a Raman spectrum with features not observed in Raman spectra of either DNA solutions or wet DNA fibers. A number of Raman bands are assigned to specific nucleoside sugar and phosphodiester conformations associated with this model B-DNA crystal structure. The Raman bands proposed as markers of the crystalline B-DNA structure are compared and contrasted with previously proposed markers of Z-DNA and A-DNA crystals. The results indicate that the three canonical forms of DNA can be readily distinguished by Raman spectroscopy. However, unlike Z-DNA and A-DNA, which retain their characteristic Raman fingerprints in aqueous solution, the B-DNA Raman spectrum is not completely conserved between crystal and solution states. The Raman spectra reveal greater heterogeneity of nucleoside conformations (sugar puckers) in the DNA molecules of the crystal structure than in those of the solution structure. The results are consistent with conversion of one-third of the dG residues from the C2'-endo/anti conformation in the solution structure to another conformation, deduced to be C1'-exo/anti, in the crystal. The dodecamer crystal also exhibits unusually broad Raman bands at 790 and 820 cm-1, associated with the geometry of the phosphodiester backbone and indicating a wider range of (alpha, zeta) backbone torsion angles in the crystal than in the solution structure. The results suggest that backbone torsion angles in the CGC and GCG sequences, which flank the central AAATTT sequence, are significantly different for crystal and solution structures, the former containing the greater diversity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Electrooptical behavior of heme-like molecules adsorbed on nerve membrane

This paper discusses the electrooptical properties of iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (Fe-TsPc) adsorbed on a nerve membrane. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the properties of an aqueous solution of Fe-TsPc and the properties of Fe-TsPc adsorbed on a silver electrode. The resonant Raman spectra were obtained from the adsorbed Fe-TsPc on the interfaces of a silver electrode and the nerve membrane. Considerable optical signal changes have been observed when the interfacial potential is altered. The Raman spectra are sufficiently sensitive to indicate the submolecular mechanisms of electron delocalization. The changes in Raman signals as a function of the interfacial potential provide a means for optically monitoring electrical excitability in nerve.     

Electrooptical behavior of heme-like molecules adsorbed on nerve membrane

This paper discusses the electrooptical properties of iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (Fe-TsPc) adsorbed on a nerve membrane. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the properties of an aqueous solution of Fe-TsPc and the properties of Fe-TsPc adsorbed on a silver electrode. The resonant Raman spectra were obtained from the adsorbed Fe-TsPc on the interfaces of a silver electrode and the nerve membrane. Considerable optical signal changes have been observed when the interfacial potential is altered. The Raman spectra are sufficiently sensitive to indicate the submolecular mechanisms of electron delocalization. The changes in Raman signals as a function of the interfacial potential provide a means for optically monitoring electrical excitability in nerve.     

Raman studies of the helix-to-coil transition in poly-L-glutamic acid and poly-L-ornithine

The conformational transitions in water and in the solid state of poly-L -glutamic acid (PGA) and poly-L -ornithine (PO) have been studied by Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of PGA, PO, and the monomer, dimer, and trimer of PGA in aqueous solutions and solid state are presented. The Raman spectral changes of PGA and PO were followed through the helix-to-coil transition induced by p^H, temperature, and solvent composition. A hyperchromic shift in the intensity of the amide III line accompanying the helix-to-coil transition was observed. This hyperchromic intensity shift occurs abruptly as a function of p^H but more slowly with heat denaturation of the alpha helix indicating that the Raman spectrum is sensitive to the transition mechanism. The high-temperature coil and the charged coil may have different conformations as evidenced by different amide III frequencies but similar intensities in these two conformations.