Date of Award:
12-2017
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Committee Chair(s)
Lance C. Seefeldt
Committee
Lance C. Seefeldt
Committee
Sean Johnson
Committee
Korry Hintze
Abstract
As a basic building block in many biological molecules the element nitrogen (N) is essential for life. Dinitrogen (N2) is abundant in Earth’s atmosphere, but this form is biologically unavailable. To be biologically available N2 must undergo an energy demanding reduction reaction to the fixed form, ammonia (NH3). The industrial Haber-Bosch process, which accounts for approximately 50% of the worlds fixed nitrogen, uses energy from fossil fuels to achieve high pressures and temperatures to facilitate the reaction. The energy used by Haber-Bosch accounts for approximately 2% of the world’s annual supply. The remainder of fixed nitrogen is produced biologically by nitrogen fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs), utilizing nitrogenase enzymes. Nitrogenase enzymes perform the reduction at ambient temperature and pressure, deriving the necessary energy from the energy rich molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The main focus of this research is exploring how nitrogenase enzymes are able to achieve N2 reduction under ambient conditions. Another focus is aimed at understanding how nitrogenase enzymes can be used to reduce carbon dioxide into energy rich hydrocarbons. A more complete understanding of these can be used to inform industry on cleaner more efficient processes.
Checksum
ba97e97d4d9619238f58e6cb0d16a1fc
Recommended Citation
Harris, Derek, "Mechanistic Studies of the Iron and Molybdenum Nitrogenases" (2017). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 6797.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6797
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