Harnessing Biological Tools of Protein Transport and Catalysis

Author: McAvoy, Camille Zandra

Year: 2018

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Rees, Douglas C.

Committee Members: Gray, Harry B.; Grubbs, Robert H.; Dougherty, Dennis A.; Rees, Douglas C.

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/EXJK-C379

Abstract

This work covers two projects related to protein structure and function. The first focuses on studies of chloroplast signal recognition particle 43 (cpSRP43), its interaction with substrate (the light-harvesting, chlorophyll-binding proteins, or LHCP), the role of conformational change in its activity, and the use of cpSRP43 as a tool for handling nonnative proteins. This work utilizes a variety of biochemical and biophysical approaches including light scattering and electron paramagnetic resonance to probe the structure-function relationship of cpSRP43. The second project entails the study of the C-C bond formation mechanism of nitrogenase, a biological nitrogen fixer found in soil microorganisms. Together these projects make for an interesting story of the medicinal and agricultural applications of basic biochemistry.

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