Correct option is A
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the structure of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. It relies on the interaction of atomic nuclei with an external magnetic field and radiofrequency (RF) waves.
- Radio waves (low-energy electromagnetic radiation) excite nuclear spins in a strong magnetic field, causing transitions between different energy levels.
- This technique provides detailed atomic-level structural information about biomolecules in solution.
- Other options, such as X-rays and microwaves, are not used in NMR—X-rays are used in crystallography, while microwaves are used in electron spin resonance (ESR).
Thus, radio waves are the correct answer.
Information Booster:
- NMR spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry, biochemistry, and structural biology.
- It provides insights into protein dynamics, folding, and molecular interactions.
- Chemical shifts, coupling constants, and relaxation times are key parameters in NMR analysis.
- High-field superconducting magnets (up to 1 GHz) enhance spectral resolution.
- 2D and 3D NMR techniques (e.g., COSY, NOESY, HSQC) help resolve complex biomolecular structures.
- Cryoprobes and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) improve sensitivity in modern NMR systems.
Additional Knowledge:
- (a) Radio waves: Used in NMR spectroscopy to excite nuclear spins in a magnetic field, allowing structural determination of biomolecules.
- (b) Beta emissions: These are high-energy electrons emitted in radioactive decay, not related to electromagnetic radiation or NMR.
- (c) X-ray waves: Used in X-ray crystallography for determining the atomic structure of crystallized biomolecules, not in NMR.
- (d) Microwaves: Used in electron spin resonance (ESR/EPR) spectroscopy, which studies unpaired electrons rather than atomic nuclei.
