Unveiling the Molecular World: Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy , and the PDB
Explore how spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy reveal molecular structures, and how the Protein Data Bank (PDB) makes this knowledge accessible to scientists worldwide.
What Is Spectroscopy?
Spectroscopy is the study of how light interacts with matter. When light shines on a molecule, some parts are absorbed, and others are emitted or scattered. By measuring this, scientists can learn what the molecule is made of.
Think of it like a fingerprint for molecules: each substance has its own unique spectrum.
Examples of use:
Identifying unknown chemicals
Studying proteins and DNA
Monitoring chemical reactions in the lab
What Is NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)?
NMR is a special type of spectroscopy. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to study atoms (especially hydrogen).
When placed in a strong magnetic field, some atomic nuclei behave like tiny magnets. Radio waves make them “resonate,” and this produces signals scientists can measure.
From these signals, we can rebuild the 3D structure of molecules.
Why it’s important:
Helps find the shape of proteins and nucleic acids
Used in drug design to see how molecules interact
Non-destructive (samples stay intact)
What Is the PDB (Protein Data Bank)?
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a free online library where scientists store 3D structures of proteins, DNA, and other molecules.
It is like a huge database full of molecular “blueprints.”
Structures found using spectroscopy, NMR, and X-ray crystallography are uploaded there.
Students, teachers, and researchers can access it worldwide.
Why students use PDB:
To visualize protein structures in 3D
To learn about molecular biology
To study examples for school or university projects
How They Work Together
Spectroscopy tells us how molecules interact with light.
NMR gives detailed 3D information about molecular shapes.
PDB stores these structures so everyone can use them.
Together, they help scientists understand how life works at the molecular level.
NMR Spectroscopy Workflow
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