The course gives insights on the chemistry of metal-containing molecules. It starts with an overview on the control and use of metal ions in biochemical processes and arrives at the description of some classes of molecules containing metal ions. Examples on spectroscopic applications to metalloproteins are also given.
"Biological Inorganic Chemistry: Structure & Reactivity" edited by I. Bertini, H. B. Gray, E. I. Stiefel, J. Selverstone Valentine, University Science Books
Learning Objectives
To introduce students to the study of metal ions in biological chemistry, and especially the role of some classes of metalloproteins, their structural and dynamic characterization and their biologically relevant interactions.
At the end, students should be able to
- consult a bioinorganic chemistry text or specialized literature in the field, in English
- identify the investigation techniques most appropriate for a metalloprotein
- setting the study of a biological system containing metal ions to identify the type of metal ions, their ligands, type of coordination, role.
Prerequisites
Courses required: none
Courses recommended
Teaching Methods
Total number of hours for Lectures (hours): 48
Type of Assessment
Oral examination on the topics presented during the classes.
Course program
The Periodic Table in the Life Sciences; Metal ions in a “omic” world; Transport and storage of metal ions in biology; Metal ions and proteins: Binding, stability, and folding; Special cofactors and metal clusters; Electron-transfer proteins; Electron transfer through proteins; Carriers of dioxygen and other small molecules; Dioxygen activating enzymes; Dismutases and reductases; Mono-oxygenases and di-oxygenases; Peroxidases; Hydrolases; Peptidases; Sensors; Spectroscopic properties of some classes of proteins; Experimental techniques