Making the H-Cluster from Scratch

摘要

Many microorganisms use dihy-drogen (H_2) as an energy vector between and within cells. This process is underpinned by FeFe and NiFe hydrogenases , which reversibly combine protons with electrons to give H_2 at very high rates. An understanding of the chemical mechanism by which they operate may lead to new technology for biological or bio-inspired catalysis . Some 15 years ago, crystallographic and spectroscopic studies revealed the essential features of the active site of FeFe hydrogenase, the H-cluster.