Graham N. George
Research Interests:
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of mononuclear molybdenum enzymes.
Molybdenum is an essential component of a large number of enzymes with diverse functions. With the sole exception of nitrogenase, all known molybdenum enzymes and their close relatives the tungsten enzymes possess one or two molybdopterin ditholene cofactors coordinated to the metal. Most molybdenum enzymes catalyze two-electron redox reactions involving the transfer of an oxygen atom between water and substrate. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy provides important information upon active site structure and catalytic mechanism.
Sulfur K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of intact biological tissues.
Sulfur is an essential biological element, yet its biochemistry is only partially understood because there are few tools for studying this element in biological systems. Sulfur K X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy provides a much needed approach to determining the chemical speciation of sulfur in intact biological specimens.
Development of new X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy analysis techniques.
Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is well established as a structural tool for determining radial structures. This program investigates the application of modern EXAFS analysis, including full multiple scattering, together with the use of chemical constraints for determining three dimensional structural information.
