Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Evidence for interstitial carbon in nitrogenase FeMo cofactor
Thomas Spatzal1, Müge Aksoyoglu, Limei Zhang
1Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
The interstitial atom in the nitrogenase FeMo cofactor is identified as carbon. This finding resolves a long-standing mystery using advanced X-ray diffraction and ESEEM analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
Background:
- The FeMo cofactor is the active site of nitrogenase, catalyzing nitrogen fixation.
- The identity of a central interstitial atom within the FeMo cofactor has remained unknown since its discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the identity of the interstitial light atom at the center of the nitrogenase FeMo cofactor.
Main Methods:
- Atomic-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis.
- Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Direct evidence was obtained for the presence of a specific ligand.
- The data conclusively indicate the interstitial atom is a carbon species.
Conclusions:
- The long-standing enigma of the FeMo cofactor's central atom is resolved.
- This identification provides crucial insights into the mechanism of nitrogen fixation.
More Related Videos
10:01Protein Film Infrared Electrochemistry Demonstrated for Study of H2 Oxidation by a [NiFe] Hydrogenase
Published on: December 4, 2017
08:40Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this nitrogen...
Carbon-13 (¹³C) NMR: Overview
Role of Reduced Coenzymes NADH and FADH₂
¹³C NMR: ¹H–¹³C Decoupling
A broadband decoupling technique is used to simplify these complex, sometimes overlapping, signals. Broadband decoupling relies on a...