Abstract: Since the unsymmetry of metal cluster(P-cluster), which was under different redox states, in FeMo protein of A. vinelandii nitrogenase could be observed by circular dichroism, the numbers of the redox equivalent for the P-cluster was obtained by CD titration of DT-stripped FeMo protein with oxidant, i.e. plotting △δ450nm against the number of equivalent of oxidant added. After exposure to air, at the beginning P-cluster was reversibly oxidized, then followed by irreversible oxygen-damage. Dithiothreitol (DTT) was able to increase the C2H2-reduction activity of FeMo protein, which was not severely damaged by O2, or by other stronger oxidants, but could not change their CD spectra. It seems that the reactivation may be not due to the restoration of the P-cluster to its reducing state.

Key words: Circular dichroism (CD) spectra, Redox, FeMo protein of Azotobacter vinelandii