What is it about?
The significance of nuclear spin in biological processes is frequently overlooked. Our study aimed to determine nuclear spin influence in the crucial process of water intake by cells. We showed that water transport through cell membrane channels dramatically changes with the water's oxygen isotope, relating the effect to the nuclear spin of the oxygen. The relation found is important for better understanding the transport of protons and ions in biological channels. It could also be applicable in improving water splitting and NMR measurements.
Featured Image
Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash
Why is it important?
While nuclear spin was mainly neglected in explaining dynamics in biology, its implications and applications in biology and medicine are broad and significant. Understanding and accounting for nuclear spin in dynamical biological reactions can lead to better diagnostic tools, a deeper understanding of biological processes, and potentially even new insights into the intersection of quantum mechanics and biology.
Perspectives
Accounting for the role of nuclear spin in living systems can help gain a deeper understanding and inspire the development of novel biotechnology solutions
Yossi Paltiel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nuclear spin effects in biological processes, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 2023, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300828120.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
