The effectiveness of aspartate in catalysis can be attributed to its chemical properties:
Charge: The carboxyl group of aspartate can be deprotonated to form a negatively charged carboxylate ion, which can interact with positively charged substrates and intermediates. Flexibility: Aspartate residues can adopt various conformations, allowing them to participate in different types of chemical reactions. Hydrophilicity: The polar nature of aspartate allows it to interact well with aqueous environments and other polar molecules, aiding in the solubility and proper orientation of substrates.
