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Related Concept Videos

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Energy production within a cell involves many coordinated chemical pathways. Most of these pathways are combinations of oxidation and reduction reactions, which occur at the same time. An oxidation reaction strips an electron from an atom in a compound, and the addition of this electron to another compound is a reduction reaction. Because oxidation and reduction usually occur together, these pairs of reactions are called redox reactions.
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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
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Biomolecular Condensates Power Nitrogen Cycling via Concurrent Redox Activities.

Xiaowei Song1,2, Lecheng Lyu2, Chao Li3

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Biomolecular condensates can regulate the nitrogen cycle, interconverting nitrate and ammonia. Arginine residue autoxidation in disordered proteins also releases nitric oxide, impacting biological nitrogen metabolism.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The intrinsic chemical reactivity of biomolecular condensates in metabolic processes is not well understood.
  • Biomolecular condensates are crucial cellular structures involved in various biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of biomolecular condensates in modulating the nitrogen cycle.
  • To explore the intrinsic chemical activities of biomolecular condensates beyond enzymatic functions.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a single-condensate-based mass spectrometry technique.
  • Mass-spectrometry-based protein analysis.
  • Fluorogenic reaction assays.

Main Results:

  • Biomolecular condensates modulate the nitrogen cycle, interconverting nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+).
  • Autoxidation of arginine residues on disordered proteins directly releases nitric oxide (NO·).
  • Condensates act as both nitrogen suppliers and regulators in metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Biomolecular condensates possess intrinsic reactivity that impacts nitrogen metabolism.
  • This study reveals a novel mechanism for nitric oxide generation within biological systems.
  • Findings expand the understanding of biomolecular condensates' role in cellular chemistry and metabolism.