Porphyrins play a vital role in many biological functions includingoxygen transport, electron transfer and catalyzing theincorporation of oxygen into other molecules.





This current survey discusses the use of modern physical techniquesto probe porphyrin structure and function. The authors review thedata available through a particular technique and show what can belearned therefrom about the (electronic) structure and function ofbiologically important porphyrins. The techniques include magneticcircular dichroism, X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) andMössbauer spectroscopies. All contributors are well known intheir respective fields, enjoying world-wide reputation.