Activity Modulation by Photochromic Effectors

Abstract

Although photochromic azobenzene molecules with the ability to modulate biological activity are not found in nature, they can be used to probe naturally occurring systems and to enable us to learn something about the mechanisms by which these systems function. Studies on their ability to mimic or to interfere with biochemical activity can provide information that can compliment data obtained by other methods, including physical (X-ray crystallography, NMR, circular dichroism), chemical, physiological or immunological procedures. Although no single methodology provides a complete, integrated picture of a biochemical process, each can contribute data that serve to clarify the overall system. Even such a powerful technique as X-ray crystallography shows the structure and configuration as it is in a crystal only; this structure can be different from the configuration that directly participate in the biological process.