Modification of a model membrane structure by embedded photochrome

Abstract

Photoregulated processes are of interest in diverse biochemical phenomena such as photosynthesis, vision, phototropism and phototaxis. The capture of a photon of appropriate energy, as the first event, triggers, or is followed by, subsequent steps such as electrical potentials or enzyme activity. In this respect, Erlanger and co-workers have shown that some processes such as the catalytic activity of certain enzymes, which are intrinsically insensitive to light, may be modulated or regulated by the presence of appropriate photochromic molecules.