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DOE OSTI · 2007938

Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis EFRC

Peters, John
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Abstract

The focus of the Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis (BETCy) EFRC research is elucidating mechanisms of conversion of electrochemical potential into chemical bond energy and is organized into two integrated Thrusts: Electron Bifurcation Catalysis and Electron Transfer Kinetics. We are developing a collective knowledge of metalloenzymes as models for redox reactions by applying physical science and computational tools to characterize biochemical reactions catalyzed by multi- subunit enzymes harboring arrays of iron-sulfur clusters and flavin cofactors. Understanding these mechanisms is central to overcoming the thermodynamic barriers that currently limit production of reduced products and fuels. Biological systems have elegant strategies for converting electrochemical potential energy into chemical bond energy (e.g., C-H, H-H, and N-H) stored in reduced compounds that can serve as advanced biofuels. One significant limitation for the production of highly reduced compounds is that their production in natural and industrial processes relies on low oxidation-reduction potential chemicals as feedstocks.

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

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Peters, John. 2020-10-01. Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis EFRC. https://doi.org/10.2172/2007938

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