Details of the Partial Unfolding of T4 Lysozyme on Quartz Using Site‐Directed Spin Labeling

Abstract

Spin doctoring: Site-directed spin labeling was used to determine the structure of T4 lysozyme adsorbed on quartz. At high ionic strength significant changes of the backbone fold are limited to the region around the enzymatic cleft. In contrast, at low ionic strength the previously unperturbed parts of the protein interact with the surface. Hydrophobic interactions are thought to play an important role in the partial unfolding at high ionic strength.