Electronic Processes in Biopolymer Systems

Comparison is made between biopolymers, particularly proteins, and other organic polymeric materials which exhibit low levels of conductivity. Electron and hole transport in the latter is generally agreed to proceed by tunnelling processes between localized states. Similar "hopping" processes are invoked for proteins and the roles of polypeptide back-bone, and the aperiodic array of the residues is examined. It is suggested that electrons and holes introduced into the system will follow regulated vectorial pathways which, together with the localization of charge, may be of great significance for biology. The role of water in such processes is also examined.