Technique by which a photochemically reactive molecular entity, specifically
associated with a biomolecule, is photo-excited in order to covalently attach a
label to the biomolecule, usually via intermediates. Identification of the resulting
photo-crosslinked product provides structural information on the protein′s
binding site.
Notes:
- Technique widely used for identifying in general ligand-receptor interactions in
biological macromolecules and in particular the binding site within proteins.
- Typical examples are nitrenes, carbenes, ketone excited states, cations and radicals.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293
(Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006))
on page 383