Circular Dichroism (CD)

Circular Dichroism (CD) is a technique used to study how certain molecules, like proteins and DNA, absorb circularly polarized light—light that twists in a specific direction. When such molecules are exposed to this light, they absorb differently depending on the twist direction, creating a unique absorption pattern. This pattern provides valuable information about the molecule’s structure, shape, and folding. Essentially, CD helps scientists understand the three-dimensional arrangement of molecules in a solution, offering insights into their function and stability without needing to see them directly.