Are there any organic chemists out there that know what this means?

gonzophysicist 2008-03-23 17:39:50 ET The luminescence of the dinoflagellate Pyrocystis lunula is controlled by the reduction state of the luciferin precursor. This molecule (P630) is a chromopeptide more stable than luciferin in methanolic solutions at low temperature. Cations may oxidize P630 or cleave the bond between the peptidic chain and the extended tetrapyrrole. Reduction of P630 is performed enzymatically by a NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase or chemically by 2-mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol. The state of reduction is monitored by the absorption and fluorescence emission which reveal a conformational change of the chromopeptide depending on the pH. It has something to do with these critters

Statistic 2008-03-23 17:57:43 ET Uh...I think it says that if you add something to it...and it gets brighter or darker...or changes color because of that...then, um...you can tell how the thing's absorption rate is going...and the nature of its bond to something...or something... I have never studied Organic Chemestry. I'm a theology major for crying out loud...all I see is a little clear banana with the Eye of Sauron in the middle of itself!

Rix 2008-03-23 20:55:13 ET That's one mean looking cyclops moon.

handle 2008-03-24 10:28:31 ET I think it means that there will be platform shoes with luminescent, color-changing heels in my foreseeable future.

Soma 2008-04-06 11:16:08 ET

Statistic 2008-04-06 13:30:20 ET Ha ha!

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