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The process of enzyme degradation of cellulose observed and felt at the molecules level

ReferenceB08614
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Mervyn Miles
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Bristol
DepartmentBristol Heart Institute
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 123,018
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/10/1997
End date 31/01/2001
Duration40 months

Abstract

Imaging of protein molecules by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is now almost routine in our laboratory. We have achieved ultrahigh-resolution of cellulose molecules such that individual glucose residues were visualised. By bringing these imagining techniques together with the capability of SPM to operate in an aqueous environment and to follow a process in real time, we will observe, at the molecular level, the enzymic hydrolysis of cellulose by cellulases. Endo- and exo-type enzymes will be examined individually. Cellulases generally consist of: a cellulose binding (CBD) and a catalytic domain (CD) joined by a linker section. We will follow the coordinated motions of these two domains during hydrolysis. The local changes in mechanical properties will also be mapped. The conformational motion of these domains during hydrolysis will be compared to that on control surfaces.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Biomolecular Sciences (BMS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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