Static and dynamic light scattering of biological macromolecules: what can we learn?

Laser light scattering comes in two major 'flavors': dynamic and static. This noninvasive technique provides a means for investigating key size and shape properties of macromolecules in solution. Light scattering has long been an indispensable tool to the polymer physical chemist, and is seeing increased use in exploring properties of biological macromolecules, alone and in association. As examples, recent investigations using light scattering have clearly demonstrated the relationship between the self-association and activity of important regulatory enzymes, and examined conformational properties of DNA and polysaccharides.