Fe-only Nitrogenase

3D Model

Nitrogenase is a vital biological enzyme that undergoes nitrogen fixation to convert nitrogen gas into bioavailable ammonia (NH3). This is needed for sustaining life, as without it, the inert nitrogen in our atmosphere would remain unusable. The resulting ammonia can also be combined with other materials and incorporated into proteins and nucleic acids. This enzyme is from the Fe-only class, extracted from Azotobacter Vinelandii, and through its unique FeFe cofactor it utilizes iron to catalyze the reduction of N2.

Nitrogenase breaks the triple bond between nitrogen atoms by facilitating electron transfer and protonation which allows each nitrogen atom to bond with three hydrogen atoms forming NH3. This tour will guide you through key players in this process, including hydrogen bonds that aid the enzyme’s function along with other interactions between its various parts and residues that create stability and ensure perfect positioning!

References: https://tinyurl.com/mpwhvbh3, https://tinyurl.com/mry4t22w