Nitrogen Fixation

This book offers an in-depth overview of the methods that have been applied to studying the nitrogenase at a molecular level, ranging from genetic, biochemical, spectroscopic and chemical methods to theoretical calculations.

Few problems in protein biochemistry have proven to be as challenging and recalcitrant as the molecular description of nitrogenase, the catalyst of one of the most remarkable chemical transformations in biological systems: the nucleotide-dependent reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen to bioavailable ammonia. In Nitrogen Fixation: Methods and Protocols, recognized experts in the field provide an up-to-date, in-depth overview of the methods that have been applied to studying the nitrogenase at a molecular level, ranging from genetic, biochemical, spectroscopic, and chemical methods to theoretical calculations. In addition, techniques used to study an enzyme system that is homologous to nitrogenase are described in this book. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, methods chapters include introductions to their respective chapters, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Practical and cutting-edge, Nitrogen Fixation: Methods and Protocols will be useful for anyone interested in nitrogenase research and willing to venture further toward addressing the remaining mechanistic and biosynthetic questions of this fascinating enzyme system.

Compiles a detailed collection of techniques to study one of the most difficult problems in protein biochemistry Features practical, step-by-step methodologies Includes key tips and expert implementation advice to ensure successful results Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

Historic Overview of Nitrogenase Research.- Mechanism of Mo-Dependent Nitrogenase.- Assembly of Nitrogenase MoFe Protein.- Genomic Analysis of Nitrogen Fixation.- Enzymatic Systems with Homology to Nitrogenase.- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering in Nitrogen Fixation.- Purification of Nitrogenase Proteins.- Assays of Nitrogenase Reaction Products.- Methods for Nitrogenase-Like Dark Operative Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase.- X-Ray Crystallography.- X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy.- Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Spectroscopy.- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.- Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy.- Mössbauer Spectroscopy.- Protocols for Cofactor Isoation of Nitrogenase.- Techniques for Functional and Structural Modeling of Nitrogenase.- Nitrogenase Structure and Function Relationships by Density Functional Theory.- Modeling the MoFe Nitrogenase System with Broken Symmetry Density Functional Theory.