Revealing the secrets behind nature’s impossible chemistry
Some chemical reactions in nature are virtually impossible to replicate in research labs, particularly the way proteins control chemical reactions using metal ions and radicals. Martin Högbom is seeking to understand nature’s ability to perform seemingly impossible chemistry.
Martin Högbom, Professor in Structural Biochemistry. Photo: Magnus Bergström/KAW
During his education, Högbom encountered certain chemical reactions in nature that were virtually impossible to perform in the lab. This sparked admiration for nature’s ability to always find new paths to achieve results. He has now found ways to use advanced X-ray techniques and computational power to learn how certain chemistry is possible.
“This is truly curiosity-driven basic research. We’re trying to understand these reactions by mapping them at the atomic level,” says Högbom.
At the heart of his research lies a protein – ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). This protein produces the building blocks of our DNA. In doing so, it uses metal ions and radicals – highly reactive atoms or molecules.
“For the protein to succeed, every atom must be controlled and directed to react properly. Lab experiments often result in chaos and entirely different reactions,” says Högbom.
Our main area of interest and expertise is how protein structure relates to function, in particular in proteins that utilize redox active metal cofactors or radicals for catalysis.
