Lignin-degrading enzyme for biofuels, illustration. Molecular model of the GcoAB enzyme, which has been genetically engineered to degrade molecules of

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Lignin-degrading enzyme for biofuels, illustration. Molecular model of the GcoAB enzyme, which has been genetically engineered to degrade molecules of the organic polymer lignin (orange molecules) as part of the conversion process to produce biofuels. GcoAb is a cytochrome P450 demethylase enzyme that removes methyl groups. Here, it is shown with a molecule of guaiacol in its active centre (lower right) together with heme cofactor molecules (not shown). This enzyme also acts on another wood-based molecule syringol. The two orange molecules at upper right are syringol (upper) and guaiacol (lower). The enzyme converts these to catechol (not shown). Research into the degradation of lignin is an important stage in the development of biofuels.

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Size: 4827px × 3620px
Photo credit: © RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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