Nitrogenase: Difference between revisions
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The <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_fe_protein/1'>Fe protein</scene> is here bound to two <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_atp/3'>ADP x AlF<sub>4</sub><sup>-</sup></scene>, an analog for the planar transition state of ATP hydrolysis. The motif that binds ATP is a conserved nucleotide binding motif called Walker's motif A. Coloring by <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_atp_evolutionary/1'>evolutionary conservation</scene>, the nucleotide binding pocket is clear. | The <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_fe_protein/1'>Fe protein</scene> is here bound to two <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_atp/3'>ADP x AlF<sub>4</sub><sup>-</sup></scene>, an analog for the planar transition state of ATP hydrolysis. The motif that binds ATP is a conserved nucleotide binding motif called Walker's motif A. Coloring by <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_atp_evolutionary/1'>evolutionary conservation</scene>, the nucleotide binding pocket is clear. | ||
At the bottom of the protein, where the Fe protein comes into contact with the FeMo protein, is a | At the bottom of the protein, where the Fe protein comes into contact with the FeMo protein, is a 4Fe:4S cluster, held in place by <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_fes_cluster_cys/1'>cysteines</scene>. This cluster accepts electrons from ferredoxin and gives electrons to the FeMo protein. | ||
When the Fe protein is bound to the FeMo protein <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_single_complex/1'>(zoom out)</scene>, ATP is hydrolyzed and electrons that were transferred to the 4Fe:4S cluster of the Fe protein by ferredoxin are transferred to the FeMo protein. The crystal structure of the complete nitrogenase complex reveals how the binding of the Fe and FeMo proteins, the hydrolysis of ATP, and the transfer of electrons are all coupled. | When the Fe protein is bound to the FeMo protein <scene name='Sandbox_10/1n2c_single_complex/1'>(zoom out)</scene>, ATP is hydrolyzed and electrons that were transferred to the 4Fe:4S cluster of the Fe protein by ferredoxin are transferred to the FeMo protein. The crystal structure of the complete nitrogenase complex reveals how the binding of the Fe and FeMo proteins, the hydrolysis of ATP, and the transfer of electrons are all coupled. | ||