Introduction to Biological Inorganic Chemistry

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Interdisciplinary field of inorganic chemistry and biology.

Metal Ion Transport

Movement of metal ions within biological systems.

Metallohydrolase Enzymes

Enzymes catalyzing hydrolysis reactions involving water.

Hydrogenase

Enzyme catalyzing oxidation of molecular hydrogen.

Alkyltransferase

Enzyme transferring alkyl groups between molecules.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase

Enzyme involved in dopamine biodegradation.

Nitrogen Metabolism

Biochemical processes involving nitrogen compounds.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

Complex formed when enzyme binds substrate.

Active Site

Region of enzyme that binds substrate.

Transition Metals

Elements with variable oxidation states and coordination.

Ligands

Molecules that bind to metal ions.

Redox Properties

Chemical properties related to electron transfer.

Essential Elements

Elements necessary for organism survival and function.

Physiological Deficiency

Condition arising from lack of essential elements.

Magnesium

Metal involved in structure and enzyme activity.

Calcium

Metal acting as a trigger and charge carrier.

Chromium

Metal linked to glucose tolerance and diabetes.

Manganese

Metal essential for photosynthesis and structure.

Iron

Metal crucial for oxygen transport and storage.

Copper

Metal involved in electron transfer and oxidation.

Porphyrins

Compounds with metal ions in a nitrogen ring.

Ribbon Diagrams

3D representations of protein structure.

Hemoglobin

Protein transporting oxygen in the blood.

Bohr Effect

Increased acidity promotes oxygen release from hemoglobin.

Coordination Numbers

Number of ligands bonded to a central atom.

Channeling

Direct transport of intermediates between enzyme active sites.

Electron Transfer Proteins

Proteins facilitating electron movement in biological systems.

Hydrophobic Environment

Non-polar surroundings aiding substrate binding.

Substrate Specificity

Active site shape matching substrate for binding.