Electron transfer in biological systems

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In recent years, the captivating world of photoactivated proteins has captured the spotlight, particularly for their role in enabling creatures to perceive Earth's magnetic field through their senses. However, the intricate details of how these proteins work their magic in different organisms continue to be a hot topic in the scientific community.

In our quest for understanding, we turn to theoretical investigations, where we draw upon Marcus-like theories to uncover the hidden mechanisms that govern the transfer of electrons. These electrons play a crucial role in the ever-changing states of photo-activated proteins, like cryptochromes, photolyases, and more. With the help of real-time electron transfer simulations, backed by robust theoretical frameworks and insights from collaborative experiments, we aim to unravel the secrets behind what makes these proteins tick. Our mission is to shed light on the fundamental processes driving the dynamic world of biological electron transfers, providing a deeper insight into their vital roles within the intricate realm of biochemistry.

Recent Publications

Quantifying electron transfer reactions in biological systems: what interactions play the major role?, Emil Sjulstok, Jogvan Magnus Haugaard Olsen, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Scientific Reports, 5, 18446, (2015)
Solvent driving force ensures fast formation of a persistent and well-separated radical pair in plant cryptochrome, Gesa Lüdemann, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Tomáš Kubař, Marcus Elstner, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 137, 1147-1156, (2015)
Separation of photo-induced radical pair in cryptochrome to a functionally critical distance, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Tatiana Domratcheva, Klaus Schulten, Scientific Reports, 4, 3845, (2014)
A chemical compass for bird navigation, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Thorsten Ritz, Klaus Schulten, Peter J. Hore, in: Quantum Effects in Biology, edited by: Masoud Mohseni and Yasser Omar and Greg Engel and Martin B. Plenio, 218-236, Cambridge University Press, (2014)
Decrypting Cryptochrome: Revealing the Molecular Identity of the Photoactivation Reaction, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Tatiana Domratcheva, Abdul Rehaman Moughal Shahi, Klaus Schulten, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 134, 18046-18052, (2012)