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Why Nature Chose Selenium.

Hans J Reich1, Robert J Hondal2

  • 1University of Wisconsin-Madison , Department of Chemistry, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nature uses selenium over sulfur because selenium's unique redox chemistry prevents permanent oxidation of biomolecules. This selenium (Se) advantage offers enhanced biological function compared to sulfur (S).

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Chemical Biology

Background:

  • Celebrates the bicentennial of selenium's discovery by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.
  • Inspired by Frank Westheimer's work on the biological chemistry of phosphates.
  • Examines selenium's role in biological processes, comparing it to sulfur.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore why nature selected selenium for specific biological functions.
  • To compare the chemical properties of selenium and sulfur in biological contexts.
  • To elucidate the redox chemistry differences driving selenium's unique roles.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of selenium's biological discoveries.
  • Comparative chemical analysis of selenium and sulfur.
  • Discussion of redox reactions and bonding characteristics (e.g., pi bonds).

Main Results:

  • Redox chemistry represents the most significant difference between selenium and sulfur.
  • Selenium's inability to form strong pi bonds and loosely held valence electrons influence its reactivity.
  • Selenium's unique properties allow biomolecules to resist permanent oxidation, offering a functional advantage.

Conclusions:

  • Selenium's distinct redox properties, particularly its behavior in oxidation-reduction reactions, explain its biological selection.
  • The replacement of sulfur with selenium in biomolecules confers resistance to irreversible oxidation.
  • This 'gain of function' is exemplified by various biological systems discussed in the literature.