On the structure of histidine and its role in enzyme active sites

A structural refinement is proposed for the mechanistic details of the action of the serine proteases. The proposal involves ring flipping of the imidazole function of the histidine side chain as a vehicle for proton transfer. The geometric feasibility of this motion is established by molecular graphics analysis of the crystal structure of-chymotrypsin. It is suggested that the shape of histidine is as important as its pK _a for its function at the active sites of enzymes.