Absorbance spectroscopy Monitors conformational transitions in macromolecules by measuring absorbance changes, usually in the aromatic region of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.
Circular dichroism A very commonly used method for studying protein conformational changes.
Fluorescence The most sensitive of the commonly used optical methods for studying protein unfolding transitions.
Nuclear magnetic resonance A powerful method for studies with proteins, as there is such a large number of resolved signals.
Scanning calorimetry Measures the variation in the specific heat of a protein containing solution as a protein is thermally unfolded.