single electron transfer
(rus. одноэлектронный перенос)
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an intermediate stage of many organic and biochemical reactions characterised by transfer of one electron from donor to acceptor.
Description
This process is very common in nature. In fact, it is a redox process. The transfer usually results in a state with split charges: DA → D+A– (D — donor, A — acceptor of electron).
Electron transfer plays a key role in many biochemical reactions. For example, one of the critical stages of photosynthesis is the transfer of an electron through a bilayer cellular membrane. The process begins at a dimer of bacteriochlorophyll (P) and includes a series of electron transfers from one substance to another (see fig.). The final electron acceptor is a quinine molecule (QB).
Electron transfer plays a key role in many biochemical reactions. For example, one of the critical stages of photosynthesis is the transfer of an electron through a bilayer cellular membrane. The process begins at a dimer of bacteriochlorophyll (P) and includes a series of electron transfers from one substance to another (see fig.). The final electron acceptor is a quinine molecule (QB).
Illustrations
Author
- Vadim V. Eremin
Sources
- Eremin V. V Quantum dynamics of redox reactions (in Russian). // Priroda. 2006. №5. 15–22 pp.
- Chupakhin O.N. Single-electron transfer in organic chemistry (in Russian). // Sorosovskijj obrazovatel'nyjj zhurnal. 2001. V. 7, №10. 33–37 pp.
- Hoff A. J., Deisenhofer J. Photophysics of photosynthesis. Structure and spectroscopy of reaction centers of purple bacteria // Physics reports. 1997. V. 287. 1–247 pp.