Metalloprotein Active Centers

What is the primary factor that seems to influence the use of certain metal ions in bioinorganic chemistry?

Their relative abundance (correct)
Their toxicity
Their kinetic inertness
Their chemical properties

Which of the following metal ions is rarely utilized in bioinorganic chemistry due to its kinetic inertness?

Co3+
V3+
Cr3+ (correct)
Fe3+

What is the function of iron-sulfur clusters in proteins?

Signal transduction
Electron-transfer (correct)
Oxygen transport
Structural support

Why are heavier transition elements, such as technetium and platinum, not commonly found in bioinorganic systems?

They are toxic to cells (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of vanadium in certain types of sea squirts?

Unknown (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do cells concentrate specific metal ions when they are required for a particular purpose?

Through energy-driven processes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cofactors in bioinorganic chemistry?

To modulate the properties of metal ions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe metal-containing units that serve as 'bioinorganic chips'?

Metal-atom clusters (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following metals is the most abundant transition metal in the Earth's crust?

Iron (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do some ascidians accumulate transition metals such as Ti, Cr, and Nb?

The functions of these metals are currently unknown (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central principle that helps us understand the choice of metal-containing units in biology?

The ability of nature to borrow chemistry from the geosphere for use in the biosphere (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are certain metal ions, such as titanium, underutilized in biology?

Due to the difficulty in solubilizing and mobilizing them in biological fluids (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do certain metal ions, such as sodium, pass through cell membranes?

Through special channels and pumps in the cell membrane (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are some metal ions, such as iron, not readily bioavailable?

Because they are too insoluble at neutral pH (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for metal ions to be absorbed by cells?

Solubilization and transport through special channels and pumps or chelating ligands (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relative abundance of essential metals in biology compared to nonessential metals?

Essential metals are more abundant than nonessential metals (B) Signup and view all the answers

What property of metal ions is beneficial for rapid assembly and disassembly of metal cores?

Kinetic lability (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can low-abundance metal ions be selected for specific functions?

Via energy-driven processes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of metal-binding cofactors in biological systems?

To enhance the bioavailability of metal ions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of alkali- and alkaline-earth ions in biological systems?

To neutralize the charge of simple inorganic ions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the utilization of metal ions in biological systems?

Only a small number of inorganic elements are utilized (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of first-row transition-metal ions in biology?

They are of key importance in biology (C) Signup and view all the answers