CAREER: Modeling Acetyl-CoA Synthase - Novel Bioinorganic Chemistry at a Dinuclear Site

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This CAREER award by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry program supports work by Professor Eric Hegg at the University of Utah to model the active site of acetyl-CoA synthase. This unusual enzyme allows certain organisms to use carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source. Model complexes will be prepared that will lead to a better understanding of the active site and the reaction mechanism of acetyl-CoA synthase. Ultimately this work will provide important information concerning acetyl-CoA biosynthesis and enzymatic C1/C2 chemistry.Integrated within this research is an educational component designed to improve undergraduate biochemistry courses. A major thrust of this plan is to develop and utilize computer-based laboratory modules that will allow students to apply the concepts learned in class, demonstrate real-world applications of the information covered in the course, and expose them to the many new technologies required in modern biochemical research.