Chem 303: The Role of Metals in Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Chem 303 lecture notes on the role of metals in life, focusing on bioorganometallic chemistry and relevant biological processes.

Organometallic Chemistry

The chemistry of the metal-carbon bond.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

A complex of cobalt that is extracted from food and is essential for human health.

Methane Monooxygenase (MMO)

An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of methane to methanol.

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM)

An enzyme that converts methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA and plays a role in the citric acid cycle.

Cobalamin-binding fragment

A fragment that binds Cobalamin in enzymes like Methionine Synthase.

Ping-pong mechanism

A two-step process that involves methyl transfer in Methionine Synthase.

Coenzyme B12

A cofactor that aids in the conversion of carbohydrates into fuel.

Hydrogenases

Enzymes that catalyze the reaction of protons and electrons to generate hydrogen.

Dioxygen Tolerance

The ability of some hydrogenases to function in the presence of oxygen.

Active Site

The region of an enzyme where substrate binding and reaction occurs.

Acetyl-CoA Synthase

An enzyme found in primitive life forms important for synthesizing acetyl-CoA.