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Proton pathways in lysozyme.
1Institute of Molecular and Biomolecular Electronics, University of Wales Bangor, Gwynedd, U.K.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|July 12, 1991
Summary
Proton conduction in lysozyme significantly increases with bound water molecules. Palladium electrodes reveal a robust hydrogen-bonded network facilitating proton transport, unlike control electrodes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Understanding proton transport in biological molecules is crucial for energy conversion and biological processes.
- Enzymes like lysozyme play roles in biological systems, and their conductive properties are of interest.
- The influence of hydration on biomolecular conductivity is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bound water molecules on the protonic conductivity of lysozyme.
- To explore the role of the enzyme's hydrogen-bonding network in proton transport.
- To compare proton conduction using different electrode materials.
Main Methods:
- Proton conduction measurements were performed on lysozyme samples.
- Different electrode materials were used: proton-injecting palladium black and control copper electrodes.
- The number of bound water molecules was varied to study its effect on conductivity.
Main Results:
- Lysozyme samples with palladium electrodes showed conductivities up to eight orders of magnitude higher than those with copper electrodes.
- Increased numbers of bound water molecules correlated with enhanced protonic conduction.
- A significant hydrogen-bonded network involving water and enzyme structures was identified.
Conclusions:
- The hydrogen-bonded network, formed by enzyme-bound water and protein segments, effectively supports protonic conduction.
- Electrode material plays a critical role in facilitating proton injection and thus enhancing observed conductivity.
- Lysozyme's hydration level is a key factor influencing its proton transport capabilities.