It’s that time of year again where I stack layers upon layers of cotton, wool, polyester, denim and all sorts of different fabrics just to keep my extremities from freezing and falling off. Now although I enjoy being warm and protected against frostbite, I don’t enjoy spontaneous near-death experiences- all due to static electricity.
As we begin to learn about the role of amino acids in the production of proteins, it becomes clear that electrostatics are a key player in determining reaction favorability and even three dimensional structures of molecules in our bodies. Taking this into consideration, the phenomena of our body existing as a living semi-conductor comes into perspective and I realize the possibilities of being shocked. There are probably many more factors that deal with biological conductivity, such as ionic concentrations and other electrostatic factors, but I’m wondering what are the individual conductivities of the amino acids, if there is such a thing? Are there groups that can conduct more so than others? I say this particular interest in the effects of aromatics and conjugated systems? For example, we recently learned that tryptophan is fluorescent due to its aromaticity. Are there are there any similar characteristics with conductivity?
Now back to static electricity. . .
Due to layering of clothing, and consequently the rubbing of clothing, electrons transfer between objects. The more rubbing between objects the more electrons are transferred. This ultimately builds up a partial negative charge and close interactions with unbalanced charges can cause electrons to jump towards the more positively charged object. So because I wear scarfs and sweaters, I begin to build a negative charge and therefore experience a shock, or the movement of electrons, when I touch someone or something, particularly other conductor, that is more positively charged. I thought the topic of static electricity was interesting because it highlights the importance of electron densities and movement within a biological system.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130312092644.htm
I thought this article was interesting because it talked about conductivity in bacteria, taking into consideration aromatic amino acids.