Dynamics of biomacromolecules observed by incoherent neutron scattering

Incoherent neutron scattering is a powerful tool to investigate the dynamics of biomolecules and water. In this article, a new dynamical model called 'Matryoshka model' is first described, which provides detailed information on the motions contained in the phospholipid molecules based on the scattering spectra. In the latter half of the article, a relationship between water activity and water mobility, and the effects of pressure and hydration on protein dynamics are discussed. These studies demonstrate the advancement of analytical methods which provide ever more detailed information for elucidating the mechanism of biological functions. (author)