Nitrogenase Structure

3D Model

Fe-Nitrogenase is a complex enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) making it an essential life process. It achieves this through a series of complex electron transfers beginning with the Fe protein, moving through the P-cluster, and ultimately reaching the FeFe cofactor embedded in the AnfD subunit. It is at the FeFe cofactor where the reduction of N₂ takes place, facilitated by a cascade of proton and electron inputs. This energetically demanding process is driven by ATP hydrolysis, which provides the necessary energy to orchestrate the conformational changes and electron flow that reinforce nitrogen fixation.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-023-00952-1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10745740/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/10409230391036766?needAccess=true