Dear JPK, to answer your first question, at atomic resolution you would notice a density difference between N and C. At a little less resolution you might still measure difference in bond length.
Regrds, Tim On Thursday, November 10, 2016 8:41:43 PM CET Keller, Jacob wrote: > 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]> > ******************************************* -- -- Paul Scherrer Institut Tim Gruene - persoenlich - OFLC/102 CH-5232 Villigen PSI phone: +41 (0)56 310 5297 GPG Key ID = A46BEE1A
signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part.
