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Molecules for a Sustainable Future

proteins with global impact

Some proteins have played key roles in the environment: some were involved in global changes millions of years ago, and some are affecting the environment today. By understanding these molecules, we can manage our impact on the environment more effectively.

Molecule of the Month Articles (26)

Biodegradable Plastic

Carbon Capture Mechanisms

Cellulose Synthase

Dehalogenases

	Biodegradable Plastic Bacteria build biodegradable plastic that could be better for the environment
	Carbon Capture Mechanisms Scientists are studying cyanobacteria to improve the productivity of agricultural crops
	Cellulose Synthase Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time.
	Dehalogenases Bacteria destroy toxic environmental pollutants that include chlorine or bromine atoms.
	Glutathione Transferases Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove.
	Isoprene Synthase Plants release a billion metric tons of isoprene and other organic gases every year.
	Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase Methanogens use sophisticated molecular tools to build methane
	Nitrogenase Nitrogenase uses an exotic cluster of metals to fix atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonia
	Photosystem I Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight
	Photosystem II Photosystem II captures the energy from sunlight and uses it to extract electrons from water molecules
	Phytase Phytase is used in agriculture to mobilize indigestible phosphate compounds in livestock feed.
	Phytohormone Receptor DWARF14 Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development.
	Plastic-eating Enzymes Researchers are looking to Nature to find ways to dispose of discarded plastic.
	Biodegradable Plastic Bacteria build biodegradable plastic that could be better for the environment
	Carbon Capture Mechanisms Scientists are studying cyanobacteria to improve the productivity of agricultural crops
	Cellulose Synthase Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time.
	Dehalogenases Bacteria destroy toxic environmental pollutants that include chlorine or bromine atoms.
	Glutathione Transferases Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove.
	Isoprene Synthase Plants release a billion metric tons of isoprene and other organic gases every year.
	Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase Methanogens use sophisticated molecular tools to build methane
	Nitrogenase Nitrogenase uses an exotic cluster of metals to fix atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonia
	Photosystem I Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight
	Photosystem II Photosystem II captures the energy from sunlight and uses it to extract electrons from water molecules
	Phytase Phytase is used in agriculture to mobilize indigestible phosphate compounds in livestock feed.
	Phytohormone Receptor DWARF14 Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development.
	Plastic-eating Enzymes Researchers are looking to Nature to find ways to dispose of discarded plastic.

Learning Resources (1)

Commemorating 75 Years of Discovery and Innovation at the NSF

(Other Resource)

Goodsell Molecular Landscapes (1)

Cellulose Synthase