It has been speculated that the metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) impose certain health risks to humans. When introduced into biological systems, PAHs can be metabolized into quinones. Because quinones are well known for their oxidation power and electrophilicity, they may be capable of modifying cellular components. In this context, our laboratory has been interested in the role of para-benzoquinone (pBQ) toward protein modifications. We investigated the complex nature of pBQ induced-RNase modifications utilizing several analysis methods such as SDS-page, fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. In addition, biomineralization affected by the presence of the modified RNase was detected by utilizing a scanning electron microscope.

Studies of Ribonuclease A modifications induced by para-benzoquinone

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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