The electron's spin and molecular chirality – how are they related and how do they affect life processes?

Abstract

The recently discovered chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect gives rise to a spin selective electron transmission through biomolecules. Here we review the mechanism behind the CISS effect and its implication for processes in Biology. Specifically, three processes are discussed: long-range electron transfer, spin effects on the oxidation of water, and enantioselectivity in bio-recognition events. These phenomena imply that chirality and spin may play several important roles in biology, which have not been considered so far.