| Abstract: | The general aspects of a theory of dense-phase reactions, based on an accurate quantum-mechanical formulation of the rate equation, are considered. Using an adiabatic one-frequency oscillator model, the theory is applied to several important biological processes at low temperatures: the photinduced oxidation of cytochrome C by bacteriochlorophyll, the electron transfer from primary to secondary acceptors in bacterial photosynthesis, and the ligand rebinding of carbon oxide and β-chain of hemoglobin. A very good agreement between theory and experiment is found making use of no more than one or two (or even without any) adjustable parameters. |
