HYDROSTATIC-PRESSURE AND PROTEINS - BASIC CONCEPTS AND NEW DATA

In this paper we review some basic facts about the reversible and irre versible effects of high pressure on proteins. The effects include cha nges in intra or intermolecular interactions (noncovalent bonds), in c onformation and in solvation. Particular attention is directed to the interpretation of data where pressure-temperature dependency is an imp ortant phenomenon. Using model reactions, we have formulated a putativ e interpretation of physiological problems; we use these to explain ho w biological systems maintain activity when the temperature decreases and pressure increases, as in the case of barophilic micro-organisms i n the deep sea world. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.