Events
Events Calendar
Connecting minerals and proteins - what geology tells us about enzyme evolution
When life started approximately four billion years ago, the first proteins to emerge were likely enzymes that played central roles in early metabolic pathways. Their biochemistry was intimately coupled with geochemistry through energy derived from redox reactions. Earth has become increasingly oxidized over geologic history, requiring proteins to adapt to new electron sources and sinks. Our planet's geologic history provides clues to help constrain the evolution of life. I will discuss the speciation of iron and sulfur in metabolic networks, the coupling of oxygen and ferredoxin evolution, and the study of a minimal hydrogenase that models an ancient catalytic reaction.
Hosted by Professor Sagar Khare
For Zoom meeting information, please contact Loretta Lupo @