Learning objectives
This course has the purpose to provide the students with the knowledge that will allow them to read critically papers concerning bioinorganic issues and to join with little difficulties research groups dealing with bioinorganic chemistry. <br />
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of coordination chemistry and biochemistry
Course unit content
The cycles of the main elements involved in the functioning of living organisms – Summary of the main metalloenzymes and metalloproteins studied in the course – Proteins and nucleic acids from a structural perspective – Protein crystallography: preparing crystals, preliminary characterization, reciprocal lattice, data collection, solution of the phase problem, refinement and structure - Protein data bank and use of RASMOL to display proteins - Roles of metalloproteins in cells: choice, uptake and assembly of metal containing units in biology – Control and use of of ion concentration in the cell - Influence of metals in folding and cross linking in biomolecules – Interactions between metal ions and complexes in biomolecules – Electron transport proteins _ Nonredox activation mechanisms and interactions with substrates – Atom and atom groups transfer chemistry – Tuning of metal properties by proteins to obtain specific functions Metal protein analysis according to the metal: Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, Cobalt, Zinc and other metals. Metals in medicine.
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
H. B. Gray, E. I. Stiefel, J. S. Valentine, I. Bertini. Biological Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity . University Science Book. Mill Valley, California <br />
<br />
S J Lippard, J M Berg. 1994. Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry. University Science Books Mill Valley, California <br />
<br />
R. M. Roat-Malone. 2002. Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, USA. <br />
<br />
W Kaim, B Schwederski. 1995. Bioinorganic Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, New York <br />
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by Power Point slides. Part of the course will be devoted to the use of RasTop to display protein structures. The examination is a written test.
Assessment methods and criteria
- - -
Other information
- - -
