Accession Number:

ADA505809

Title:

A Pyrophosphate Based Energy Generating Module

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

TEXAS UNIV AT SAN ANTONIO

Personal Author(s):

• Chambers, James P.
• Sekowski, Jennifer
• Valdes, James J.

Report Date:

2008-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

The most widely used transient form of stored energy in biological systems is the complex, organic molecule, adenosine triphosphate ATP. However, the much smaller, simpler pyrophosphate PPi molecule could potentially serve as an inexpensive, high energy bond, ATP mimic. Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase PPDK, an enzyme found primarily in a small number of primitive protists reversibly transfers phosphate Pi from phosphoenolpyruvate PEP and PPi to AMP producing ATP. Alpha-Hemolysin pore-functionalized, lipid bilayers facilitated movement of PEP and PPi through 1-2 nm pores with concomitant Luciferase coupled ATP dependent generation of light. This is an important first step towards developing self-renewing power for nanomicro systems.

Descriptors:

• *ADENOSINE PHOSPHATES
• *BIOMOLECULES
• *ENERGY STORAGE
• *PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
• ENZYMES
• HIGH ENERGY
• LUCIFERASE
• ORGANIC MATERIALS
• PYRUVATES
• SYMPOSIA
• SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
• TRANSIENTS

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Energy Storage

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE