Time-resolved Raman evidence for energy 'funneling' through propionate side chains in heme 'cooling' upon photolysis of carbonmonoxy myoglobin

Vibrational relaxations of propionate side chain replaced and mutated myoglobins following CO photolysis are monitored by using picosecond time-resolved anti-Stokes resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that the heme-propionate side chains are highly involved in the energy transfer from the heme to the solvent.