DIELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF PROTEINS

Protein molecules are mysterious microscopic reaction media which shar e common features with polar amorphous solids and viscous liquids but are peculiar in having a unique three-dimensional packing of groups of atoms and anisotropy of local electric fields. This results in specif ic dielectric properties of proteins which are thought to be very impo rtant for the realization of their functions - biocatalysis and direct ional transport of charge. This review is concentrated on the discussi on of the rates of dielectric relaxations in proteins and the signific ance of these motions for the protein functions.