Review

Quantum tunnelling in enzyme-catalysed reactions

Rudolf Allemann and Nigel Scrutton (Eds.)
RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2009, 385pp, (HB) ISBN 9780854041220

This book gives an up-to-date account of the field of enzyme catalysis and hydrogen-tunnelling. It covers computational, kinetic and structural analysis of hydrogen transfer and the synergy in combining these methods. The book describes new theoretical frameworks for H-tunnelling reactions and indicates how experimental and computational studies have provided evidence to support these new models for biological catalysis. The book is an excellent primer for those new to the field of biological catalysis of hydrogen-transfer. Early chapters introduce basic concepts and models, which underpin more detailed discussion of theory and experimental approaches, with reference to key case studies.

Book Description

This introduction to modern theories of enzyme catalysis presents the latest methods used to study quantum tunnelling in biological systems. Written in an accessible style, it is suitable for a wide audience but will be particularly useful to advanced level undergraduates, postgraduates and early postdoctoral researchers. The book starts with an introduction by Nobel Laureate, Rudolph A. Marcus. The reader is then guided through computational, kinetic and structural analysis of tunnelling and the synergy in combining these methods (with a major focus on H-tunneling reactions in enzyme systems). Edited by two leading experts, and bringing together the foremost practitioners in the field, this up-to-date account of a rapidly developing field sits at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics.