Molybdenum Cofactor Enzymes, Synthetic Complexes, and Crop Nutrition
This research community investigates the chemical structure and biological function of molybdenum-containing enzymes, synthesizes molybdenum complexes for catalytic applications, and studies the impact of molybdenum fertilization on crop yield and quality.
The work centers on the molybdenum cofactor, a critical component for enzymes such as formate dehydrogenase, nitrate reductase, sulfite oxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Researchers analyze the crystal structures of these proteins and the synthesis of molybdenum complexes, including Schiff base ligands and tungsten analogs, to understand catalytic activity and redox mechanisms. A significant portion of the literature addresses agricultural applications, specifically molybdenum deficiency in legumes like chickpeas and soybeans, and the effects of foliar application and soil fertilization on growth yield and seed quality. The community also explores the biosynthesis of the cofactor and its role in nitrogen metabolism, linking inorganic chemistry with plant physiology and metabolic disease.
The largest share of the community's output is found in molybdenum research, accounting for 4.3% of all tracked molybdenum studies, with 5,710 papers in this group. Nitrogen and tungsten research also contribute significantly, representing 0.2% and 0.9% of their respective element research totals.
The community comprises 9,506 papers, publishing primarily in Inorganic Chemistry, the Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Inorganica Chimica Acta.
Recent work continues to focus on the structural insights of formate dehydrogenases for CO2 reduction, the functional expression of molybdenum-dependent enzymes in bacteria, and the modulation of soybean and tomato stress responses through molybdenum and molybdate transporters.