德国开辟生物制氢研究新途径

 　　BERLIN, April 25 (Xinhua) -- A study recently published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology opens up new avenues in biohydrogen research, the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) said on Friday.

　　Scientists at the TU Berlin succeeded in explaining the function of a molecular¹ switch in biomolecules. The research was carried out with the Free University Berlin, the Charite and the Humboldt University of Berlin.

　　The findings are significant not only for basic research but also for the technical application of biological hydrogen conversion², scientists said.

　　Knowledge of the molecular structure of hydrogenases paves the way for the synthesis of chemical model compounds to produce hydrogen, regarded as an alternative energy source, said TU Berlin.

　　German <a href=http://www.hxen.com target=_blank class=infotextkey>study</a> opens up new avenues in biohydrogen research

　　These biocatalysts called hydrogenases, which are not inactivated³ by the oxygen in the air, are of particular interest of the researchers. Due to their unusual property of oxygen compatibility, the molecular switch plays a key role.

　　The switch refers to a cluster of iron and sulfur⁴ atoms, which can conduct or optionally store electrons.

　　Understanding the catalytic mechanism⁵ of hydrogenase might help scientists design clean biological energy sources, such as algae⁶, that produce hydrogen.

　　"Because of its transdisciplinary methodology, our research group could decipher how the electronic switch allows the hydrogenase to detoxify the harmful oxygen, while ensuring that further energy is obtained from hydrogen," says microbiologist Dr. Oliver Lenz from the Institute of Chemistry of the TU Berlin.

　　As the electronic switch is a key component⁷ of some proteins that are able to either produce hydrogen or to split hydrogen for energy, hydrogenases are the focus of research globally, said the study.

　　Hydrogen may be obtained from fossil sources, but these sources are unsustainable. So an important future application of hydrogen could be as an alternative for fossil fuels once global oil deposits are depleted⁸.

1 molecular   

adj.分子的；克分子的

参考例句：

• The research will provide direct insight into molecular mechanisms.这项研究将使人能够直接地了解分子的机理。
• For the pressure to become zero, molecular bombardment must cease.当压强趋近于零时，分子的碰撞就停止了。

2 conversion   

n.转化，转换，转变

参考例句：

• He underwent quite a conversion.他彻底变了。
• Waste conversion is a part of the production process.废物处理是生产过程的一个组成部分。

3 inactivated   

v.使不活泼，阻止活动( inactivate的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• Molluscicides are quickly inactivated by sunlight and adsorption to mud organic matter. 灭螺剂因阳光作用、泥土及有机物质的吸收会很快失效。 来自辞典例句
• Viruses were inactivated by BPL and the toxicity measured again. BPL对病毒进行灭活，测定残存毒力。 来自互联网

4 sulfur   

n.硫，硫磺（=sulphur）

参考例句：

• Sulfur emissions from steel mills become acid rain.炼钢厂排放出的硫形成了酸雨。
• Burning may produce sulfur oxides.燃烧可能会产生硫氧化物。

5 mechanism   

n.机械装置；机构，结构

参考例句：

• The bones and muscles are parts of the mechanism of the body.骨骼和肌肉是人体的组成部件。
• The mechanism of the machine is very complicated.这台机器的结构是非常复杂的。

6 algae   

n.水藻，海藻

参考例句：

• Most algae live in water.多数藻类生长在水中。
• Algae grow and spread quickly in the lake.湖中水藻滋蔓。

7 component   

n.组成部分，成分，元件；adj.组成的，合成的

参考例句：

• Each component is carefully checked before assembly.每个零件在装配前都经过仔细检查。
• Blade and handle are the component parts of a knife.刀身和刀柄是一把刀的组成部分。

8 depleted   

adj. 枯竭的, 废弃的 动词deplete的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• Food supplies were severely depleted. 食物供应已严重不足。
• Both teams were severely depleted by injuries. 两个队都因队员受伤而实力大减。