Unlikely element turns up in enzyme; commercial renewable fuels might ultimately result
Friday, August 14, 2015 - 15:00
in Physics & Chemistry
Tungsten is exceptionally rare in biological systems. Thus, it came as a huge surprise to researchers when they discovered it in what appeared to be a novel enzyme in the hot spring-inhabiting bacterium, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii. This discovery could ultimately lead to commercially viable conversion of cellulosic (woody) biomass to fuels and chemical feedstocks, which could substantially reduce greenhouse emissions.