A Spatially Propagating Biochemical Reaction
Author Information
Author(s): Liao Xiaoli, Petty Rafe T, Mrksich Milan
Primary Institution: Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago
Hypothesis
The reaction will show a spatial propagation in time.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates a reaction system that shows a spatial propagation of product, despite the uniform concentration of enzyme catalyst throughout the system.
Supporting Evidence
- The phosphorylation reaction is fastest in regions adjacent to the product.
- The reaction propagated over distances greater than 10 µm.
- The initial rate of reaction increased linearly with the boundary density.
- The higher affinity phosphopeptide led to a greater initial rate.
Takeaway
This study shows how a chemical reaction can spread out in space, like a wave, even when the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Methodology
The researchers used self-assembled monolayers to pattern peptides and measured the spatial propagation of the phosphorylation reaction using mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy.
Limitations
The study does not determine whether sequential phosphorylation reactions are catalyzed by a single kinase or if new kinases are recruited from the bulk region.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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