Kinetics of the Light-Oxygen Effect in Aqueous Solutions of Proteins

Molecular mechanisms of the participation of proteins in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation resulting from the singlet-oxygen effect upon laser exposure in solutions of various proteins are considered. The kinetic equations describing ROS generation are derived, and their approximate general solution is found in the analytical form. By comparison of the found kinetic dependences with experimental data, orders and rate constants of corresponding chemical reactions are determined. An analysis of the results makes it possible to consider that fundamental mechanisms of ROS formation reactions in solutions of various proteins are identical.