Chemistry
How Metalloenzymes Catalyze Redox Reactions
Quick fact
Some metalloenzymes, like nitrogenase, use a cluster of iron and molybdenum that can fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a process essential for life—and no human-made catalyst matches their efficiency.
Why this is interesting
Your body just used a metal to turn the oxygen you breathe into water. How can a single atom of iron or copper handle such a powerful chemical transformation?