Aspartate contributes to catalysis through various mechanisms:
Acid-Base Catalysis: Aspartate can donate or accept protons, making it essential in reactions that require acid-base chemistry. Nucleophilic Catalysis: The carboxyl group of aspartate can act as a nucleophile, attacking electrophilic centers in substrates. Stabilization of Transition States: Aspartate can stabilize charged intermediates and transition states, lowering the activation energy of reactions.
