Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Biochemistry

Utah State University

Molecular electrostatic potential

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Crystallographic And Computational Characterization Of Methyl Tetrel Bonding In S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferases, Raymond C. Trievel, Steve Scheiner Nov 2018

Crystallographic And Computational Characterization Of Methyl Tetrel Bonding In S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferases, Raymond C. Trievel, Steve Scheiner

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Tetrel bonds represent a category of non-bonding interaction wherein an electronegative atom donates a lone pair of electrons into the sigma antibonding orbital of an atom in the carbon group of the periodic table. Prior computational studies have implicated tetrel bonding in the stabilization of a preliminary state that precedes the transition state in SN2 reactions, including methyl transfer. Notably, the angles between the tetrel bond donor and acceptor atoms coincide with the prerequisite geometry for the SN2 reaction. Prompted by these findings, we surveyed crystal structures of methyltransferases in the Protein Data Bank and discovered …


Implications Of Monomer Deformation For Tetrel And Pnicogen Bonds, Wiktor Zierkiewicz, Mariusz Michalczyk, Steve Scheiner Feb 2018

Implications Of Monomer Deformation For Tetrel And Pnicogen Bonds, Wiktor Zierkiewicz, Mariusz Michalczyk, Steve Scheiner

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

A series of TF4 and ZF5 molecules (T = Si, Ge, Sn and Z = P, As, Sb) were allowed to engage in tetrel and pnicogen bonds, respectively, with NH3, pyrazine, and HCN. The interaction energies are quite large, approaching 50 kcal mol-1 in some cases. The formation of each complex is accompanied by substantial geometrical deformation of the Lewis acid to accommodate the approaching base. The energy associated with this monomer rearrangement is the largest for the smaller central atoms Si and P, where it exceeds 20 kcal mol-1. The total reaction …


Monitoring The Charge Distribution During Proton And Sodium Ion Conduction Along Chains Of Water Molecules And Protein Residues, Steve Scheiner Aug 2016

Monitoring The Charge Distribution During Proton And Sodium Ion Conduction Along Chains Of Water Molecules And Protein Residues, Steve Scheiner

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Quantum calculations are used to determine the level of delocalization of the charge of a cation as it translates along a chain of water molecules or glycine residues. Charge dispersal is monitored via the molecular electrostatic potential and the dipole moment of the entire system. The positive charge is largely localized on the water molecule on which the proton is situated, but becomes more intense and extended as the proton moves along the chain. The positive charge is more delocalized in protonated polyglycine, where it extends over at least an entire residue. Displacement of the proton along the chain intensifies …