Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal aims to solicit funds so that researchers at Simon Fraser University can replace a currentlyout-dated and semi-functional ""CD Spectrophotometer"" with a top-quality research instrument. In order to understand chemical and biochemical binding interactions, which are very important in many disease states, it is necessary to measure the strength of these important events. Polarized light is passed through a solution containing the compounds whose reactions/binding interactions we are studying and the spectrometer measures the changes in the polarization of the light. This technique enables us to monitor numerous binding phenomena that involve proteins, DNA or RNA, which are basic building blocks of life.The investigators will use the equipment to answer fundamental question concerning relationships between: (i) the structure and function of proteins, DNA or RNA; (ii) the mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; and (iii) questions concerning the speed at which biomolecules can react in the absence of enzymes. The results that are obtained by the investigators will have implications for numerous biological processes and disease states.