Hydrostatic pressure and proteins: Basic concepts and new data

In this paper we review some basic facts about the reversible and irreversible effects of high pressure on proteins. The effects include changes in intra or intermolecular interactions (noncovalent bonds), in conformation and in solvation. Particular attention is directed to the interpretation of data where pressure-temperature dependency is an important phenomenon. Using model reactions, we have formulated a putative interpretation of physiological problems; we use these to explain how biological systems maintain activity when the temperature decreases and pressure increases, as in the case of barophilic micro-organisms in the deep sea world. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.