In this project, jointly funded by the Physical Chemistry and Biophysics Programs, X-ray absorption techniques for high resolution studies of metal ion centers in biologically important molecules will be developed. Specific attention will be paid to developing direct probes of covalence in iron- and copper-containing proteins. %%% Nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, is one of nature's major sources of fertilizer. Detailed chemical understanding of the biological process by which this conversion is accomplished brings us closer to the goal of economical and environmentally benign fertilizer production. This project, by developing X-ray methods of determining structure and bonding in the relevant enzymes, may lead to major breakthroughs in this effort.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Application #
9121576
Program Officer
Francis J. Wodarczyk
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1992-02-01
Budget End
1995-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
$285,300
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Palo Alto
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94304