Dynamics of Water in Biological Recognition

Almost all biological macromolecules-proteins
\n(enzymes) and DNA-are inactive in the absence of
\nwater. Hydration of a protein/enzyme is particularly
\nimportant for the stability of the structure and for
\nthe function, especially the recognition at a specific
\nsite. This role of hydration in enzyme catalysis is well
\nknown and has recently been reviewed in a number
\nof publications. In one of these studies it was
\nshown that the dehydration of a protein, which
\nmakes it more rigid and increases its denaturation
\ntemperature, is correlated with the loss of its physiological function.