Research in the Seefeldt Laboratory is focused on elucidating the
mechanism and structure of complex metalloenzymes involved in global
energy cycling.
Current projects include elucidation of the mechanism of the metalloenzyme
nitrogenase. Nitrogenase is the enzyme responsible for the biological reduction
of N2 from air into the NH3, thus catalyzing the most significant reaction
in the reductive phase of the global nitrogen cycle. Research is focused
on answering the major open questions about nitrogenase: 1) How is MgATP
hydrolysis coupled to substrate reduction, 2) How are electrons delivered
to the active site metal cluster, and 3) where and how do substrates get
reduced at the active site FeMo-cofactor. |
