22 Questions
What is the primary factor that seems to influence the use of certain metal ions in bioinorganic chemistry?
Their relative abundance
Which of the following metal ions is rarely utilized in bioinorganic chemistry due to its kinetic inertness?
Cr3+
What is the function of iron-sulfur clusters in proteins?
Electron-transfer
Why are heavier transition elements, such as technetium and platinum, not commonly found in bioinorganic systems?
They are toxic to cells
What is the function of vanadium in certain types of sea squirts?
Unknown
How do cells concentrate specific metal ions when they are required for a particular purpose?
Through energy-driven processes
What is the function of cofactors in bioinorganic chemistry?
To modulate the properties of metal ions
What is the term used to describe metal-containing units that serve as 'bioinorganic chips'?
Metal-atom clusters
Which of the following metals is the most abundant transition metal in the Earth's crust?
Iron
Why do some ascidians accumulate transition metals such as Ti, Cr, and Nb?
The functions of these metals are currently unknown
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
Why are certain metal ions, such as titanium, underutilized in biology?
Due to the difficulty in solubilizing and mobilizing them in biological fluids
How do certain metal ions, such as sodium, pass through cell membranes?
Through special channels and pumps in the cell membrane
Why are some metal ions, such as iron, not readily bioavailable?
Because they are too insoluble at neutral pH
What is required for metal ions to be absorbed by cells?
Solubilization and transport through special channels and pumps or chelating ligands
What is the relative abundance of essential metals in biology compared to nonessential metals?
Essential metals are more abundant than nonessential metals
What property of metal ions is beneficial for rapid assembly and disassembly of metal cores?
Kinetic lability
How can low-abundance metal ions be selected for specific functions?
Via energy-driven processes
What is the purpose of metal-binding cofactors in biological systems?
To enhance the bioavailability of metal ions
What is the primary function of alkali- and alkaline-earth ions in biological systems?
To neutralize the charge of simple inorganic ions
What is unique about the utilization of metal ions in biological systems?
Only a small number of inorganic elements are utilized
What is the significance of first-row transition-metal ions in biology?
They are of key importance in biology
Learn about the principles of metalloprotein active centers, including the selection of metal ions and their roles in facilitating rapid assembly and disassembly of metal cores and substrate association and dissociation.
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