Date of Award
1969
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Chemistry
First Reader
Dr. W. W. Everett
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to study the kinetics of the binding of cupric ion to beef plasma albumin, in particular the decomposition of the Cu++--BPA complex which absorbs light at 375 millimicrons.
The work of Klotz, Urquhart, Klotz, and Ayers has shown that the characteristic absorption band at 375 mu produced by the binding of cupric ion to beef plasma albumin is due to a copper- sulfhydryl bond. They have further demonstrated that the disappearance of this absorption band with time is accompanied by irreversible changes in the structure of the protein. The intensity of the initial absorption was shown to increase with increasing pH up to about pH 8, where it appeared to decrease again, possibly because of the increased rate of decomposition of the complex at high pH.
Recommended Citation
Rice, Gary, "Kinetics of the Decomposition of the Cupric Ion Sulfhydryl Bond in Beef Plasma Albumin" (1969). Honors Theses. 355.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/355