Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

The Nitrogen Cycle01:49

The Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen atoms, present in all proteins and DNA, are recycled between abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem. However, the primary form of nitrogen on Earth is nitrogen gas, which cannot be used by most animals and plants. Thus, nitrogen gas must first be converted into a usable form by nitrogen-fixing bacteria before it can be cycled through other living organisms. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and animal waste products in human agriculture has greatly influenced the...
Microbes and the Carbon Cycle01:24

Microbes and the Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a fundamental Earth process involving the transfer of carbon among the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. It plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate and supporting life by cycling carbon through various chemical forms and reservoirs. Carbon primarily circulates as carbon dioxide (CO₂), representing its oxidized form, while reduced forms such as methane (CH₄) and organic compounds also play essential roles.Microbial activity is central to...
The Carbon Cycle01:14

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among living organisms, and one in which carbon is cycled over long periods of time through fossilized organic remains, weathering of rocks, and volcanic activity. Human activities, including increased agricultural practices and the burning of fossil fuels, has greatly affected the balance of the natural carbon cycle.
Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle01:26

Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a complex biogeochemical process critical to maintaining the balance of nitrogenous compounds in ecosystems. This cycle involves multiple microbial-mediated transformations through which nitrogen changes oxidation states, supporting essential ecological functions and contributing to plant and microbial growth.Nitrogen Fixation and AmmonificationNitrogen fixation initiates the cycle by converting inert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable ammonia (NH₃), a process...
Catalysis02:50

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.
The Sulfur Cycle01:22

The Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Investigating weak axial ligation in corrinoids by X-ray absorption spectroscopy: Implications for corrinoid iron-sulfur protein.

Journal of inorganic biochemistry·2026
Same author

Heme and CO metabolism by the canonical human heme oxygenases.

Journal of inorganic biochemistry·2025
Same author

Structural and Mechanistic Advances in the Chemistry of Methyl-Coenzyme M Reductase (MCR).

Accounts of chemical research·2025
Same author

S-adenosyl-L-methionine is the unexpected methyl donor for the methylation of mercury by the membrane-associated HgcAB complex.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·2024
Same author

Nature-Inspired Radical Pyridoxal-Mediated C-C Bond Formation.

Journal of the American Chemical Society·2024
Same author

An alcove at the acetyl-CoA synthase nickel active site is required for productive substrate CO binding and anaerobic carbon fixation.

The Journal of biological chemistry·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
10:57

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Published on: April 10, 2018

Nickel and the carbon cycle.

Stephen W Ragsdale1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, 5301 MSRB III, 1150 W, Medical Center Drive, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0606, USA. sragsdal@umich.edu

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry
|August 25, 2007
PubMed
Summary

This review covers three key nickel enzymes involved in the carbon cycle: CO dehydrogenase, acetyl-CoA synthase, and methyl-coenzyme M reductase, detailing their structures and functions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • The carbon cycle is a fundamental biogeochemical process.
  • Nickel enzymes play crucial roles in various metabolic pathways.
  • Understanding these enzymes is vital for comprehending carbon cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review three significant nickel-containing enzymes.
  • To discuss the structures and mechanisms of CO dehydrogenase, acetyl-CoA synthase, and methyl-coenzyme M reductase.
  • To highlight future research directions for these enzymes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of nickel enzymes.
  • Analysis of protein active site structures.
  • Discussion of proposed enzymatic mechanisms.

More Related Videos

Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nb2O5 Modified Bulk Nickel Catalysts with High Specific Surface Area
08:13

Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nb2O5 Modified Bulk Nickel Catalysts with High Specific Surface Area

Published on: February 19, 2018

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling
10:16

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling

Published on: January 16, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
10:57

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Published on: April 10, 2018

Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nb2O5 Modified Bulk Nickel Catalysts with High Specific Surface Area
08:13

Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nb2O5 Modified Bulk Nickel Catalysts with High Specific Surface Area

Published on: February 19, 2018

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling
10:16

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling

Published on: January 16, 2014

Main Results:

  • Detailed review of three nickel enzymes central to the carbon cycle.
  • Elucidation of active site structures and catalytic mechanisms.
  • Identification of key areas for future research.

Conclusions:

  • Nickel enzymes are critical for the carbon cycle.
  • Further research on these enzymes will advance our understanding of biogeochemical processes.
  • Investigating nickel enzyme systems offers insights into bioinorganic chemistry and environmental science.