New opportunities for high-efficiency biofuel enzymes

In Tennessee, ORNL researchers have determined that enzymes moving at the molecular level perform hundreds of chemical processes that have a ripple effect necessary for life. Previously, protein complexes were viewed as static entities with biological function understood in terms of direct interactions, but that isn’t the case  The discovery was made using the Jaguar supercomputer.  The finding has implications for both medicines and energy applications, specifically in the area of cellulosic ethanol. Highly efficient enzymes could bring down the cost of biofuels, making them a more attractive option.