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Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation01:22

Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation

Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme nitrate reductase...
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Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Catalytically Perfect Enzymes01:07

Catalytically Perfect Enzymes

The theory of catalytically perfect enzymes was first proposed by W.J. Albery and J. R. Knowles in 1976. These enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions at high-speed. Their catalytic efficiency values range from 108-109 M-1s-1. These enzymes are also called 'diffusion-controlled' as the only rate-limiting step in the catalysis is that of the substrate diffusion into the active site. Examples include triose phosphate isomerase, fumarase, and superoxide dismutase.
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Role of Reduced Coenzymes NADH and FADH₂

The energy released from the breakdown of the chemical bonds within nutrients can be stored either through the reduction of electron carriers or in the bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In living systems, a small class of compounds functions as mobile electron carriers, molecules that bind to and shuttle high-energy electrons between compounds in pathways. The principal electron carriers that will be considered originate from the B vitamin group and are derivatives of nucleotides; they are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Protein Film Infrared Electrochemistry Demonstrated for Study of H2 Oxidation by a [NiFe] Hydrogenase
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Published on: December 4, 2017

Nickel-based Enzyme Systems.

Stephen W Ragsdale1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0606, USA. sragsdal@umich.edu

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|April 14, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nickel enzymes are crucial for global elemental cycles, catalyzing gas reactions via versatile redox chemistry. This review explores their catalytic mechanisms, focusing on the nickel metal center

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and enzymology
  • Bioinorganic chemistry
  • Environmental science

Background:

  • Eight known nickel enzymes play roles in global carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles.
  • Nickel's unique coordination and redox chemistry (Ni(1+), Ni(2+), Ni(3+)) enable diverse catalytic functions.
  • Nickel enzymes catalyze reactions spanning approximately 1.5 V.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the catalytic mechanisms of nickel enzymes.
  • To emphasize the critical role of the nickel metal center in enzyme function.
  • To highlight the involvement of nickel enzymes in key biogeochemical cycles.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on nickel enzymes.
  • Analysis of catalytic mechanisms based on metal center structure and redox properties.

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  • Focus on the coordination chemistry and redox states of nickel.

    • Main Results:

    • Nickel enzymes, except glyoxylase I, are involved in the production or consumption of key atmospheric gases.
    • The nickel metal center's plasticity allows it to adapt to various catalytic demands.
    • Nickel centers range from mononuclear sites to complex clusters, catalyzing diverse reactions.

    Conclusions:

    • Nickel's versatile redox and coordination chemistry makes it ideal for enzymes involved in global elemental cycling.
    • Understanding nickel enzyme mechanisms is crucial for comprehending their role in biogeochemical processes.
    • Further research into these enzymes can reveal insights into fundamental catalytic strategies.