Water mediated proton hopping empowers proteins
Porter D., Vollrath F.
Quantum dynamics simulations are used to test and validate the hypothesis that enhanced electronic activity and energetic efficiency in hydrated proteins are due to water-mediated proton hopping between peptide and peptenol states. Water is thereby an integral part of the electronic structure of a 'live' protein prior to denaturation. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.