Oxygen activation by mononuclear nonheme iron dioxygenases involved in the degradation of aromatics.

ABSTRACT: Molecular oxygen is utilized in numerous metabolic pathways fundamental for life. Mononuclear nonheme iron-dependent oxygenase enzymes are well known for their involvement in some of these pathways, activating O₂ so that oxygen atoms can be incorporated into their primary substrates. These reactions often initiate pathways that allow organisms to use stable organic molecules as sources of carbon and energy for growth. From the myriad of reactions in which these enzymes are involved, this perspective recounts the general mechanisms of aromatic dihydroxylation and oxidative ring cleavage, both of which are ubiquitous chemical reactions found in life-sustaining processes. The organic substrate provides all four electrons required for oxygen activation and insertion in the reactions

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5360381 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature