Event Information
Efforts Towards Establishing Long-Range Molecular Alignment on the Surface of Melanosomes
- Abstract:
Melanin is a broad term used to refer to a group of pigments found throughout biological species. Due to the heterogeneity and insolubility of the pigment, its molecular structure and architecture within a melanosome continue to remain elusive. Despite this fact, a variety of functions have been attributed to the pigment. However, without a detailed understanding of the molecular structure, the specific mechanisms and the functional significances of the pigment are not understood. It is known that compromises in the structural integrity of melanosomes are attributed to the inability of melanosomes to perform these functions. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the surface structure is central to understanding their biological functions. We use polarized light and spatially-resolved photoemission electron microscopy to uniquely obtain information regarding the surface orientation of the pigment.
Preliminary Examination Seminar
Student Exams Seminar