Active-Site Properties Of The Blue Copper Proteins

Metals at the active sites of metalloproteins display special properties and are generally impressively efficient in their functional roles. The metal or metals are said to be poised for catalytic action or in an entatic state. This chapter discusses the main with the active site chemistry of blue copper proteins. A number of techniques have contributed to the present understanding of the active site chemistry of blue copper proteins. The blue copper proteins are involved in electron transport, and provide one of the best examples of active site design. Electron transfer reactions proceed by a transition state, in which the structures are intermediate between the reactant and product states. Perhaps foremost is that involving X-ray crystallography. A wide range of physical techniques, including kinetic/mechanistic studies, has also played a vital role. Further studies on some of the less extensively studied proteins in this class are now required for a fuller understanding of the variability and fine tuning of the blue copper active site.