Circular Dichroism spectroscopy techniques

Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a technique used to study the structure of molecules, particularly proteins and nucleic acids. It measures how these molecules absorb light differently depending on its circular polarization. When light is shined onto a sample, certain molecular structures interact with left- and right-handed circularly polarized light in distinctive ways. By analyzing these differences, scientists can infer information about the molecule’s secondary structure (like helices or sheets) and overall shape. This information is valuable in fields such as biochemistry and pharmaceuticals, helping researchers understand how molecules function and interact in biological systems.