This award will enable Professor Jack T. Spence from Utah State University to collaborate with Dr. Anthony G. Wedd at LaTrobe University, Australia on a study of molybdenum containing enzymes. Research will involve detailed spectroscopic analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electrochemical investigations, and theoretical calculations related to the molybdenum centers of these enzymes, as well as the synthesis of analogues to these complexes. Although molybdenum containing enyzmes are involved in several important biological processes, their mode of action is not presently known. The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of these enzymes at the molecular level. The research will benefit from the complementary skills and instrumentation of the research groups in the United States and Australia. Dr. Spence's expertise is in electron theory and in ligand design and synthesis. Dr. Wedd will provide equipment and techniques which permit detailed monitoring of electrochemical and EPR properties.
