Metals in Biology 2016: Molecular Basis of Selection of Metals by Enzymes
1From the Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146 f.guengerich@vanderbilt.edu.
Abstract:
This ninth Metals in Biology Thematic Series deals with the fundamental issue of why certain enzymes prefer individual metals. Why do some prefer sodium and some prefer potassium? Is it just the size? Why does calcium have so many regulatory functions? Why do some proteins have an affinity for zinc? How is the homeostasis of calcium and zinc achieved? How do enzymes discriminate between the similar metals magnesium and manganese? Four Minireviews address these and related questions about metal ion preferences in biological systems.
Related Concept Videos
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Properties of Organometallic Compounds
Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes


