Would this figure answer your question? Cells must have way of feeling the difference in the bond lengths, and strength and nuances in hybridization. At least, I hope they do.
Regards, Vaheh Oganesyan www.medimmune.com From: CCP4 bulletin board [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Keller, Jacob Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2016 3:42 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ccp4bb] Nitrate versus Carbonate 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]> ******************************************* To the extent this electronic communication or any of its attachments contain information that is not in the public domain, such information is considered by MedImmune to be confidential and proprietary. This communication is expected to be read and/or used only by the individual(s) for whom it is intended. If you have received this electronic communication in error, please reply to the sender advising of the error in transmission and delete the original message and any accompanying documents from your system immediately, without copying, reviewing or otherwise using them for any purpose. Thank you for your cooperation.
