Haem-Copper Oxidase
Our research work is mainly focused on haem-copper oxidases: These powerful metalloprotein enzymatically produce water from its components, namely protons, electrons plus molecular oxygen. The enzymes use the redox energy liberated by waterformation for the transmembrane transport of protons, i.e. for generation of a proton gradient. The molecular mechanism of this enzyme consists of a series of complex partial reactions. With respect to energy coupling the critical step is the transmembrane conduction of protons. This is carried out by channels located in the interior of the protein (see figure).
Ubichinol Oxidase