CH3308: Bioinorganic Chemistry

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH3308
External Subject Code 101043
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Ian Fallis
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

Many key processes in biology are enabled by metal ions such as calcium, iron, copper and zinc. In this module the biological functions of a wide range of elements are examined with a particular focus upon the functions of metal ions and their catalytic roles in biology. The module will correlate the fundamental coordination chemistry of metal ions to the wide range of redox, Lewis acidic and structural roles they play in biological structures.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Describe the range of functions of metal ions in biological systems.
  2. Explain types and classes of metal ligand interactions in metalloenzymes.
  3. Classify the types of metalloproteins and co-factors that incorporate transition metal and main group ions.
  4. Understand from an evolutionary perspective the need for transition metal ions in biological systems.
  5. Classify metalloenzymes by reaction type and illustrate with relevant examples.
  6. Understand the mechanisms of metalloenzyme promoted chemical transformations.
  7. Understand and illustrate the structural roles played by metal in biological environments.

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered in 22 1-hour lectures, 3 1-hour workshops, and 1 1-hour tutorial.

Skills that will be practised and developed

On completion of the module a student will be able to:

  1. Classify complex systems;
  2. Analyse and understand the mechanisms in bioinorganic chemical systems;
  3. Correlate fundamental chemical properties of the elements with their roles in biological systems.

How the module will be assessed

A written exam will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 70 Bioinorganic Chemistry 2
Written Assessment 30 Workshops And Tutorials N/A

Syllabus content

  • ‘Inorganic’ Elements in biology, summary and overview
  • Amino acids, peptides and nucleic acids as ligands
  • Coordination chemistry of biological molecules
  • Roles, choice, transport, and storage of metal ions
  • Metalloenzymes - classification
  • Entatic State Hypothesis
  • Synthetic Analogue Approach
  • Catalytic antibodies - ferrochelatase
  • Non-redox enzymes (hydrolases, phosphatases)
  • Dioxygen – generation, uptake transport and storage, Fe and Cu; heme catalysts
  • Electron transport
  • Fe/S & non-heme Fe and redox
  • Photosynthesis - Ca/Mn, Mg – light harvesting and water splitting, Plastocyanins, Azurins
  • Protective enzymes – SODs, catalase, peroxidase
  • Bioorganometallic Chemistry-B12, CO
  • Hydrolases, hydrogenases, nitrogenases, reductases
  • Structural roles of metals in biology 
  • Non-nitrogenase Mo and W
  • Biomineralisation
  • Bioinorganic toxicology and disease conditions

Essential Reading and Resource List

Bioinorganic Chemistry: Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life - An Introduction and Guide by Wolfgang Kaim, Brigitte Schwederski and Axel Klein

Biochemistry: International Edition by J. M. Berg, J. L. Tymoczko and L. Stryer

Further reading will be included in the Course Handbook.


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