Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimeter (Jasco J-715)
As linearly polarized light passes through an optically active substance, its two circularly polarized components travel at different speeds and are absorbed in differing degrees. CD is a standard method for measuring conformational changes in chiral molecules. Biochemistry researchers using the Facility are active in employing this technique for study of proteins and nucleic acids. CD spectroscopy provides information relating to the conformational arrangement molecules or assemblies and for characterizing such events as cold denaturation of RNA when coupled to thermal control of the sample. The Facility has a Jasco J-715 Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimeter interfaced with thermal sample control and SpectraManager software for instrument control and analysis.