Cryptochromes bind a (FAD) and the pterin 5,10 methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) as chromophores

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8256

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

The negative sign indicates that energy is released out of the system, because energy is released when bonds are formed, even weak bonds.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8257

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

The negative sign also suggests that the interaction is driven by an attractive force.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8258

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

Induced Dipoles

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8259

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

An induced dipole moment is a temporary condition during which a neutral nonpolar atom (i.e., Helium) undergo a separation of charges due to the environment.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8260

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

When an instantaneous dipole atom approaches a neighbouring atom, it can cause that atom to also produce dipoles.

The neighbouring atom is then considered to have an induced dipole moment.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 8261

#Unit 1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

The potential energy of the dipole-induced dipole interaction is:

α = polarizability of the nonpolar molecule