Structure/function relationships of [NiFe]- and [FeFe]-hydrogenases

Five periplasmic [NiFe]-hydrogenases from sulfate-reducing bacteria have its crystal structure been discussed as well as the structure of [FeFe]-hydrogenases. The former is a periplasmic uptake enzyme while the latter is cytoplasmic. The complex nature of the hydrogenases active sites were studied through spectroscopy and crystallography. Their synthetic pathways, their catalytic center assembly and some significant progress has also been discussed. The enzymes in these hydrogenases require pathways to transfer electrons and protons. The hydrogenases' sensibility to molecular oxygen has also been a part of this study.