NMR in Molecular Biology provides an introduction to the basic concepts and principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that are essential to a critical evaluation of experimental data. It also aims to acquaint readers in some detail with those prototype experiments in which a definite, biologically relevant answer has been obtained. The book opens with a chapter on the historical development of NMR technology. Separate chapters follow on the fundamental principles of NMR; paramagnetic perturbations of NMR spectra; time scales, chemical exchange, and problems of exchange; and characteristics of NMR spectra through investigations of compounds such as amino acids and peptides; and nucleic acid bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides. Subsequent chapters deal with protein NRM spectra, protein-ligand interactions, and the structure and dynamics of membranes. This book is intended for the student or practicing scientist wishing to gain a critical understanding of the applications of NMR to a wide range of problems in molecular biology.

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsI Introduction TextII Fundamental Principles A. The NMR Phenomenon B. The NMR Experiment C. NMR on a Population of Identical Nuclei D. The Chemical Shift E. Spin-Spin Coupling F. Fourier Transform NMR Spectroscopy G. Microscopic Theory of Relaxation H. Relaxation in Multispin SystemsIII Paramagnetic Perturbations of NMR Spectra A. General Comments B. General Theory of Paramagnetic Perturbations C. Paramagnetic Shifts and Relaxation in Metalloproteins D. The Extrinsic Paramagnetic Probe Method E. Chemically and Photochemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (CIDNP and Photo-CIDNP)IV Time-Dependent Phenomena and Problems of Averaging A. Definition of Time Scales B. Chemical Exchange C. Problems of Fast ExchangeV Amino Acids and Peptides A. Amino Acids B. Peptides C. Poly amino Acids and the Helix-Coil Transition D. ConclusionVI Nucleic Acid Bases, Nucleosides, and Nucleotides A. Tautomerism and Ionization B. Molecular Interactions C. Nucleoside and Mononucleotide Conformation D. Dinucleotide Conformation E. ConclusionVII Introduction to Protein NMR Spectra: General Features and Methodology A. The 1H Spectrum B. The 13C Spectrum C. Secondary and Tertiary Structure Shifts D. Experimental Limitations E. Methods for Improving Resolution F. Strategies for AssignmentVIII Solution Structure and Conformational Transitions in Proteins A. Comparisons of Solution and Crystal Structure B. Detection of Specific Structural Features C. Detection of Conformational Change D. Protein FoldingIX Protein-Ligand Interactions Part I A. General Considerations B. Ribonuclease C. Staphylococcal Nuclease D. Lysozyme E. Dihydrofolate Reductase F. Antibody-Combining Sites G. Alkaline Phosphatase H. Gene 5 ProteinX Protein-Ligand Interactions Part II A. Kinases (Phosphotransferases) B. Dehydrogenases C. Serine Proteases D. Aspartate Transcarbamylase E. Glycogen Phosphorylase F. Concanavalin A G. Aspartate Aminotransferase H. Glutamine Synthetase I. Protein Hydration and Ion BindingXI Enzyme Mechanisms A. Structural Considerations B. Substrate Equilibria C. Stereochemistry and Isotope Exchange D. Observation of Intermediates and Intermediate Analogs E. Studies of the Catalytic ProcessXII Protein Dynamics A. General Considerations B. Qualitative Evidence for the Flexibility of Protein Segments and Domains C. Quantitative Study of Internal Motions by Relaxation MethodsXIII Nucleic Acids and Nucleic Acid-Protein Interaction A. Types of Problems Investigated B. Oligo- and Polynucleotides C. Transfer RNA D. DNA E. Binding and Intercalation F. Nucleic Acid-Protein InteractionsXIV Structure and Dynamics of Membranes A. Organization and Mobility of Hydrocarbon Chains in Phospholipid Structures B. Conformational Studies on Phospholipid Head Groups C. Effects of Cholesterol and Other Molecules Dissolved in the Bilayer D. Hydration and Ion Binding E. Ionophores in Phospholipid Bilayers F. Protein-Lipid Interactions G. Studies of Natural MembranesAppendix I Definition of SymbolsAppendix II Vector, Tensor, and Matrix NotationReferencesAuthor IndexSubject Index