Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) is a nuclear encoded mitochondrial matrix enzyme which catalyses the isomerisation between methylmalonyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA. Inborn genetic defects in the MUT gene encoding human MCM give rise to a serious disorder of propionic acid and methylmalonic acid metabolism termed mut methylmalonic aciduria (Crane et al., 1994). The clinical manifestation of the disease...

We report on the results of optical, X-ray and NMR studies of light-induced phenomena in smectic phases triggered by molecular phototransformations. UV irrddiation causes trans-to-cis isomerization of the dopant molecules while irradiation in thc visible part of the spectrum facilitates cis-to-trans lelaxation. Cis-to-trans isomerization decrcaws the smectic layers' spacing; as the result. a sm...

In the past few years, spiropyran has emerged as the molecule-of-choice for the construction of novel dynamic materials. This unique molecular switch undergoes structural isomerisation in response to a variety of orthogonal stimuli, e.g. light, temperature, metal ions, redox potential, and mechanical stress. Incorporation of this switch onto macromolecular supports or inorganic scaffolds allows...