This dissertation covers the investigation of biological strategies for activating inert small molecules. Chapters 1 and 2 respectively present an introduction to some notable biological systems of interest and the X-ray spectroscopic techniques used in their study. Chapter 3 focuses on the application of X-ray spectroscopy ...

Diatoms and sponges use proteins, long chain polyamines, and other biomolecules to assemble silica structures of controlled morphology. Investigated here are biosilicification peptides. Under mild conditions, these peptides produce silica nanoparticles from solutions of silicic acid, whereas harsh methods are currently employed ...