Research in my laboratory addresses questions related
to oxidative processes in higher plant mitochondria.
Specifically, this research involves characterizing
structural and regulatory features of the cyanide-resistant
oxidase associated with higher plant mitochondria.
Isolation of the oxidase includes the use of standard
biochemical as well as molecular approaches. Characterization
of the alternative oxidase protein involves structural
studies using chemical cross-linking and immunochemical
techniques coupled with functional assays involving
electrochemical methodologies in isolated mitochondria.
In addition, characterization of the active site of
the oxidase is being undertaken using directed mutagenesis
of the oxidase expressed in the bacterium E. coli.
