Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2008
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Chemical and Biological Engineering
First Advisor
Peter J. Reilly
Abstract
My research has focused on using computation by means of phylogenetic analysis and molecular mechanics docking studies to further extend knowledge of glycoside hydrolases (GHs). Phylogenetic analysis was used to crystallize the fundamental differences between specific types of cellulases in GH family 6 (GH6). Cellulase enzymes were then examined for functional divergence in order to determine the cause of substrate specificity, finding that very often, active site amino acid residues were highly retained, but surface residues had changed over time, most likely to help interact with other enzymes or larger substrates. Automated docking was able to provide support for the existence of several putative subsites within GH6 enzymes, along with providing more information about the possible residues to play the role of catalytic base.
Copyright Owner
John Blakely Mertz
Copyright Date
2008
Language
en
Date Available
2012-04-29
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
116 pages
Recommended Citation
Mertz, John Blakely, "Computational analysis of the phylogeny and thermodynamics of glycoside hydrolases" (2008). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 10663.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/10663
