Structures and Mechanisms in Biological Systems

Biocatalysis is a central research area at the interface of chemistry and biology. All essential processes of life are accelerated by enzymes, and the high efficiency and enormous selectivity of enzymes have fascinated generations of scientists. Understanding how metabolically relevant enzymes work has therefore been at the core of biochemical research for decades, and scientists have established an ever-growing toolbox to study and tailor biocatalysts. Numerous Nobel Prizes, both in chemistry and in physiology or medicine, have been awarded for groundbreaking studies on the roles, structures, or mechanisms of various enzymes. 

An increased understanding of the structure and function of biological catalysts has also inspired scientists to apply the underlying principles to other artificial systems, or to use biopolymers in ways or for purposes not known in Nature. This field of bio-inspired catalysis has blossomed in recent years, and one example is the development of hybrid catalysts that combine homogeneous transition-metal catalysis and biocatalysis in a novel manner. These developments hold great promise, as they may allow in the future new chemical transformations under mild conditions and a better integration of chemical and biochemical reaction steps in practical syntheses. 

In view of the high scientific interest and industrial relevance of biocatalysis, the investigation of enzyme mechanisms and the development of techniques for this purpose are of utmost importance. In the scientific context of the Heidelberg 

SFB Molecular Catalysts Structure and Functional Design, biological and bioinspired catalysis therefore formed one of the pillars of scientific activities. 

Beating and Employing X-Ray-Induced Radiation Damage in Structural Studies of Hemoproteins 

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