Hartings AU Photosynthesis Lab

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We are modifying hemoglobin, a common protein responsible for the red color in blood, so that is capable of converting carbon dioxide into more useful chemicals. Transforming hemoglobin will, initially, involve two basic steps. First, the heme molecule that gives hemoglobin many of its characteristics will be replaced with one of several similar molecules in order to make the reactivity of the modified-hemoglobin match up with the reactivity of CO2. Second, light-sensitive molecules will be attached to the surface of the protein. These molecules, upon absorbing light, will help to provide the energy that the CO2 reactions require. You can find more information on this lab at our group website.