This course examines the structures, reactivity and functions of metal ions in biological systems. This field of research is interdisciplinary, connecting inorganic chemistry to biochemistry, biology, biophysics, pharmacology, and toxicology

The course will contain selections of the following topics:
The coordination chemistry of metal ions and bioinorganic model systems.
Introduction to the techniques used for studying metal ions in biological systems.
The coordination chemistry of biological dioxygen transport.
Dioxygen activating iron enzymes such as heme containing cytochrome P450, Nonheme mononuclear iron and di-iron enzymes.
Dioxygen activating copper enzymes (monooxygenases, multi-copper oxidases). Other enzymes in oxygen metabolism such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidases and catalase.
Nickel-, cobalt-, molybdenum-containing enzymes and models
Nitrogenase and biological dinitrogen fixation and nitra(i)te reductions
Metalloproteins in biological electron transfer (photosynthesis, respiration and redox enzymes) and the physical nature of electron transfer
Metal ion complexes’ interaction with nucleic acids.