Dear Crystallographers, I don't think there is any feasible way crystallographically to distinguish between nitrate and carbonate or bicarbonate-correct? But that is not my main question.
My main question is: given that nitrate and carbonate are both very important and also very different physiologically, and therefore they must be distinguished/recognized by cells, how is this done, since the ions are so similar in structure? Is there some aspect of these ions that differs dramatically of which I am not aware? What kind of "handles" could a protein grab onto to distinguish between nitrate and carbonate/bicarbonate? JPK ******************************************* Jacob Pearson Keller, PhD Research Scientist HHMI Janelia Research Campus / Looger lab Phone: (571)209-4000 x3159 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> *******************************************
